Swell times for Surfing SA’s disability program

South Australians living with a physical or intellectual disability have hit the beach at Middleton this year as part of Surfing SA’s fun and educational disabled surfing program supported this year by SA Water's Community Partnerships Program.  

Operating on Friday mornings for 10 weeks, the program helps ambulant people with a physical condition or intellectual disability to learn the basics of surfing and bodyboarding in a fun, social and safe way.  

SA Water's General Manager of Customers, Strategy and Innovation Anna Jackson said the program aligned with the corporation's vision for delivering world class water services for a better life.

“Many people living with disabilities rarely get the chance to try their hand at watersport activities like surfing, so we’re extremely proud to know that our sponsorship of the program for 2019 is helping more South Australians with physical or intellectual disabilities hit the surf this year,” Anna said.  

"Surfing SA is among 17 recipients of funding as part of our 2018 Community Partnerships Program, and with applications for this year's intake now coming in fast, we look forward to continuing our involvement with more local groups and events across South Australia in 2019."

Surfing SA’s Chief Executive Craig Potgieter said the program has made a significant impact on the physical mobility and well being of those involved while also explaining how to swim safely in the ocean.

“We have seen some amazing results, and whether this be through standing-up or lying on our soft-top boards, our budding surfers always come away with a smile on their face,” Craig said.

“It’s been amazing to be a part of this terrific program, and to see the participants turn up every week and show support and encouragement to each other out in the water is simply stunning.

"We do however rely on a number of instructors and proper surfing and safety equipment to help provide the necessary one-on-one support for our participants, and this simply would not be possible without the financial support of SA Water.”

SA Water invites organisations to apply for the 2019 Community Partnerships Program with applications open at sawater.com.au. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding to events and programs run by not-for-profit organisations that help demonstrate how water contributes to a better life in their community.

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