Disabled surfers take “sale water cure”
THE Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) will stage their "salt water cure" at Byron Bay's Clarke's Beach on International Day for People with Disabilities tomorrow.
The DSA stages several events a year across the region, but this is generally their biggest attracting up to 100 participants from across the Northern Rivers.
Yamba's John Mansfield, the Far North Coast DSA treasurer, said it was touching to see people whose ability to move on land was often highly restricted enjoy the freedom of the water and the fun of surfing.
For many, DSA events was the only time they got to experience the surf.
"Most of the people with disabilities will tell you that its one day that they have no restrictions; they have total freedom in the water; the freedom we take for granted," John said.
"They all get a prize. It's run like a surf comp except we don't hold numbers up and judge them."
It comes after two new state-of-the-art beach wheelchairs, or 'Sandcruisers', were launched at Clarke's Beach and Brunswick Heads this week.
Volunteers who want to share their passion for the ocean and surfing are needed for Saturday's event.
The event starts at 10am. For more information visit disabledsurfers.org/nsw/far-north-coast-branch
