A Beginner’s Guide to Surfing with a Disability
Have you ever sat on a beach or otherwise looked over the ocean and wondered what it would feel like to surf those crashing waves to shore? Have you ever watched surfers conquer a huge wave and wish that you could experience that high of adrenaline and happiness?
Look no further. In the following blog post, I will briefly outline how to get your start as a surfer, regardless of any physical limitations.
Step One: Find an Adaptive Surf Program
While it is possible to simply purchase a surfboard and throw yourself in the water, I would recommend having a few lessons before going solo.
Think that adaptive surfing lessons are impossible to find in the United States? Think again! There are organizations that dot both coasts, from locations at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina to organizations based in Winter Haven, Florida; Annapolis, Maryland; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Valencia, California.
For further details, check out the link at the bottom of the blog post! All the various organization have years of experience and offer lessons for a variety of skill levels to ensure that you feel comfortable in the water.
Step Two: The Basics of Surfing
The key to surfing for anyone is to track the weather conditions on any particular day.
Certain times and weather patterns give way to specific types of waves, some of which are better for beginners than others. The recommended waves for beginners are those that are called ‘mushy’ waves. The waves are slow rolling and more forgiving, allowing surfers to stand up and stay up. This type of wave can be very helpful for people with disabilities that make constantly falling from the board difficult or cumbersome.
Another factor to consider comes before you even assess the waves: how to access beaches. For those of you in wheelchairs, I would suggest parking as close to the beach as possible. A little-known fact is that many public beaches have a few beach wheelchairs available for use. These wheelchairs have wider wheels and make rolling through the sand that much easier! All it takes is a quick call or internet search to see if the closest beaches to you have these types of wheelchairs available
Step Three: Get the Right Equipment
After you’ve accessed the beach and taken a few lessons with an adaptive surfing organization, you might ask, what’s next?
The answer is purchasing your very own board to make use of your newfound surfing knowledge!
Before going out to buy your own, however, here are a few tips about which boards might be best! Remember that sometimes a surfboard may be included in the price of lessons and that renting is always an option to test out different types.
Soft boards are recommended for beginners over fiberglass. These boards are built from foam, giving a slight bounce that people find helpful. The wider dimensions also aid in stability, allowing people to stand up more easily.
In the question of long boards (8-12 feet) v.s. short boards (less than 7 feet), it is recommended that beginners use long boards. The larger size makes the board easier to balance on the water.
If you are in need of adaptive surfing equipment that go beyond a leash for your surfboard or a personal flotation device, check out the list at the bottom of the blog post for some suppliers that sell equipment that will make surfing a breeze!
Step 4: Use Those Lessons and Your Newly Purchased Gear to Catch a Wave
Remember that the purpose of surfing is to have fun and test the limits of your abilities. Anyone can surf given the proper guidance, that’s the beauty of the sport.
Surfing relies on balance and practice, and techniques for riding the waves can be practiced in your own backyard! Like many situations, perfecting your moves on the wave may take a little creativity and adaptability, but riding a wave solo for the first time will certainly be worth it!
Written by Ryan Trombly
Ryan Trombly was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when she was eighteen months old. The disability causes right-side hemiparesis that affects the entire right side of her body, weakening her muscles and limiting her mobility in everyday activities. Despite this, Ryan has strived to live an independent life without any barriers and hopes to use her voice to advocate for the disability community.
Want to read the article this blog post was based off? Check out the following link!
- https://www.moveunitedsport.org/sport/surfing/
List of Adaptive Surfing Organizations:
- https://www.moveunitedsport.org/?s=surfing&post_type=chapter
List of Adaptive Surfing Equipment Suppliers:
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