Are you interested in disabled surfing?
Mark Shanks, Disabled Surfing Co-Ordinator, Surfing New Zealand, recently came back from a “Hands on Day” at Collaroy Beach, Sydney inspired and determined to help establish surfing for the disabled in New Zealand. A meeting is being held at the Surfing New Zealand Coaching Conference, Saturday April 19th, 3.30pm – 6pm, Breaker’s Bar, 290 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui for all interested parties.
Mark says, I was privileged to receive the invitation from Disabled Surfing Association Australia President and founder Gary Blaschke, to meet with DSA officials from all around Australia and be actively involved with their “Hands on Day” at Collaroy Beach, Sydney. I gratefully acknowledge the hospitality and unrestricted sharing of information from DSA. Their commitment and professionalism was inspirational and has made me even more determined to help establish surfing for the disabled in New Zealand. I would also a big thankyou to Greg Townsend and Surfing NZ for supporting this initiative from the start and funding airfares.
The Disabled Surfing Association of Australia
The DSA was established by Gary Blaschke in 1986, after he suffered a serious motorcycle accident in which he lost his kneecap. The doctor said “You won’t be surfing again” which only spurred Gary on to rehabilitate quickly and get back on the water. It was during this period of recovery that Gary realised nothing was being provided for people with a disability who wanted to go surfing, and so he set up DSA.
Twenty two years later and the DSA continues to go from strength to strength with new branches (now 12) opening up around Australia and worldwide interest in their organization and methods.
Visit the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia inc. website, for detailed information, including feedback from participants.
During my stay I was able to have frank and lengthy discussions with DSA officials on all aspects of the organization: history, development, struggles, successes, and future aspirations. At the very heart of this organization is the human heart – the DSA is built on goodwill, acceptance, inclusion, and voluntary effort. The simple aim of putting “smiles on dials” is an axiom for the DSA. The participant is and will always be the centre of their philosophy.
Sadly in Australia, as in NZ, it seems that all too often the participant’s needs are sidelined by the bureaucracy within the disability sector. Though most governments have attempted to create inclusive policies, the interpretation and delivery is not always as helpful or inclusive as intended. This discrepancy has meant that the DSA has had their fair share of battles with state and federal governments and also with the Australian Sports Commission and Surfing Australia. The DSA has chosen to remain an independent organization so that they can always remain true to their values and beliefs.
The “Hands on Day” at Collaroy Beach
This was a fantastic day that was overwhelmingly successful for everyone involved: the 75+ participants, the 150+ volunteers, the 30+ officials, the 150+ family and caregivers, and also the hundreds of people who were enjoying the sunny weather and good waves on a regular Saturday at Collaroy Beach. In this totally supportive atmosphere everyone felt safe, secure and free to enjoy themselves. To me this is what inclusion is all about – huge fun, high visibility, great social interaction and no big dramas. The DSA just get on with the job and do it safely, professionally and above all with the aim of putting “smiles on dials”. For a great review of the day see the article in The Age.
Recommendations
“Great sentiments have to be transformed into concrete deeds.”
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1. Present findings from DSA meeting to all interested parties at the Surfing New Zealand Coaching Conference, Saturday April 19th, 3.30pm – 6pm, Breaker’s Bar, 290 Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui. The presentation will include video and still images. There is an invitation to all interested parties.
- A DSA branch
- A DSA supported organization
- A separate entity
- A programme within Surfing NZ
- Other options?
- Website – link to DSA and/or Surfing NZ sites
- Magazines, education gazettes, disability organisations, central and local government.
2. Decide the best option for delivery of surfing for the disabled in NZ. This will require consensus on the structure of the organization. Possible options include:-
3. Attend to legal status as soon as possible.
4. Training Course for all intending coaches, delivered with the support of DSA.
5. Communication and advertising:
Mark Shanks
Disabled Surfing Co-Ordinator
Surfing New Zealand
Ph 09 4094009
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)