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- 29 May 2007
Disabled Surfers Association
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About this Item
Speakers - Cohen Mr Ian
Business - Adjournment
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Page: 310
Mr IAN COHEN [5.26 p.m.]: Tonight I will speak about the Disabled Surfers Association, an organisation with which I am very proud to have been associated, recently as a sponsor of the northern region group of the association. It is fitting that in the Year of the Lifesaver we should acknowledge and celebrate the work of the volunteers of the Disabled Surfers Association as well as the participants. The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 by Gary Blaschke after he lost his kneecap in a motorcycle accident and later underwent extensive rehabilitation. Gary saw a void that needed to be filled. He recognised that many surfers with disabilities have, unfortunately, been loners with no-one to help them get back into the water. Jim Bradley from the Illawarra, an ex-teacher, has been working hard to extend the Disabled Surfers Association right across Australia.
Many disabled surfers suffer from disabilities that the general public would not consider a disability: many asthmatics, people with joint injuries and the paraplegic have found friendship and support and have renewed their interest in surfing. The Disabled Surfers Association quickly extended its coverage to all classes of disabilities. The organisation allows people with a disability to get their chance to try out the waves. The group's motto is "Surfers helping surfers". According to Gary, "It's about giving these people the opportunity to get out there and do something they would never have the opportunity to do otherwise." Everyone is welcome. The Disabled Surfers trainer, "Macca", tells the volunteers, "Never turn anyone away. Just work out how to do it." Earlier this year Gary received the Order of Australia medal for services to disabled surfing and the environment.
Among the volunteers are surfing coaches, some lifesavers and, as one volunteer has said, "just silly old surfers"—the group I would like to be included in. They are united by their desire to help. There is also a strong commitment to safety, without a single unsafe incident in 21 years of operation, despite having taken people with the most severe disabilities into the surf. The Disabled Surfers Association is also a strong advocate of beach accessibility for all. Full accessibility must include active- and passive-inclusive strategies to facilitate all people having the opportunity to get down to the sand in the first place, to be able to cross the sand to the water's edge with dignity—not having to be dragged across on a towel or some similar primitive method—and being able to enter the water, if they desire, in safety.
On 21 April this year I had the pleasure of participating in a Hands On Day at Clarks Beach, Byron Bay. It was a beautiful, cloudless day, with warm water and no real current, making the conditions perfect for disabled surfers. The wave size was pretty good, but small, and provided a fun, speedy ride into the shallows. Beach quality was good on the day, and helpers did not have to battle to move participants and their boards out to the waves. We were able to catch waves after they broke, making for a constant ride in. On the day there were about 17 participants and more than 40 volunteers, which made for a great day of surfing. Among the participants was the Dreadlock King, Steve, from Brisbane. He used to be a professional prawn trawler and virtually a professional surfer until he fell off a verandah and severely injured his back. For him to get back in the water and ride little waves was wonderful. Other participants included Robert, who drove all the way from Perth. He is thinking of resettling somewhere on the Far North Coast.
Marusha and her mum from Bowral were holidaying in the area. Marusha is a little Indian girl with cerebral palsy. To see the smile and delight on her face when we pushed her in on the little waves gave us far more pleasure than we could possibly give her and her friend, who also has cerebral palsy. It was an absolute delight to share the waves with them. Another participant, Amy from Ballina, got out into the water and had heaps of fun. Volunteers included Pauline Menczer, a former world champion surfer, Jan Barham, the Mayor of Byron Shire Council, and me.
It was a wonderful day. We were able to give something back to people who do not have the same opportunities that we have. I have been inspired, and I would recommend to anyone to come along to "surfing days for the disabled". They are a fantastic opportunity for surfers who get so much joy from riding waves in the ocean to give something back to people much less fortunate than themselves, and to see the work of the people in the Disabled Surfing Association.
Members of the association have developed wheelchairs that float in the water. We were able to roll people down the beach in wheelchairs on big balloon-type wheels and then take them out into the water. I have been out in the water with people who are blind and people who have all manner of disabilities. It was fantastic. Some people just float in the water and take it all in, secure in the knowledge that experienced surfers are there to support them and give them the opportunity to experience the pleasure of a beautiful warm ocean. It is exceptional that Marusha, a child with cerebral palsy who was begging on the streets of Calcutta before being brought to Australia by her parents, is now able to ride beautiful clean waves in a place like Byron Bay. I am proud to be part of the Disabled Surfing Association.
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