Before my injury I used to go down to Cornwall several times during the year surfing. I wasn't particularly good at it although I used to really enjoy it.

I have been looking into the possibility of getting back into it but have found very little information. I have contacted Surf Relief UK who said "providing opportunities people with disabilities is what Surf Relief UK do" and refered me back to their website where it seems their focus is surfing for young people who are deaf or who have autism, obviously my needs are a little different!

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in the matter or can point me in the right direction?
Thanks
Trinity X

I used to surf before my accident too. I don't know if you've ever heard of the "Life Rolls On" foundation, but I've done adaptive surfing at some of thier events. I realize that it probably isn't much help since you're in the UK but here's a link to thier website they have a ton of resources, I'm just not sure if they're restricted to the US....maybe they have some contacts where you are.

http://www.liferollson.org/site/pp.asp?c=e...NJE&b=79268

Hi Trinity,

Try contacting the British Surfing Association.

If anyone out there's doing this, I would of thought they'd know about it.

Regards

Simon

I'm sure there's a way to mount your wheelchair to the board...maybe sideways.


Okay, sorry. I've been reading too many of E-Dog's posts.

Thanks Simon
I didn't think of them. I've email them so I'll see if I get anywhere. I've also emailed Life Rolls On they seem to be exactly what I'm looking for, just a pity that it's not in the UK! Austalia seem to have it covered too Disabled Surfers Association of Australia. Typical! Well I could always do with a holiday!

Mounting my chair to a board is not quite what I had in mind Kwag That salt water can be quite corrosive you know!

I may just have to take the plunge and try with a couple of friends (if the summer ever comes) the only thing is the beach where I go (Polzeath in Cornwall) can have some pretty nasty rip currents and I have this new found fear of drowning!

I'll keep you posted if I get any useful info

Trinity X

I guess I must of been ahead of my time!

Here's a design for T-shirts I did 5 years ago!

Click to view attachment

Disabled Wheelchair Surfing T-shirt

There's quite alot of surfing in Cornwall, we go there about 3 times a year and sometimes watch the surfers go out.

Regards

Simon

Some good mates and a lil creativity is all I use(and a board of course). I was back in the water 3 weeks out of the hospital, after over a 5 month stay. I know it wasnt the smartest thing but hard to keep a fish out of water. I know my case is a lil different, quite the avid surfer before, friends are sponsored surfers, and buddy shaped a special board for me. but pretty much anyone can get out there and have some fun. Be sure to protect urself, I have already banged and bruised the hell out of legs and even broke my big toe. A wetsuit and booties would be in ur best interests. If the heart and mind is willing pretty much anything is possible. Good luck and hope to hear about ur aquatic adventures.


Oh yeah if u wanna check out my board it is on unitb.org, it is in the board gallery and its the big blue spoondeck.

HI trinity

I have had experience of surfing in cornwall. There are lots of things to be taken in consideration, such as your confidence in the sea, your upper body strenght etc. If you want to email me l_haigh@hotmail.com I can put you in touch with my husband who had first hand info on this subject. Good luck

Hey Chef!

I assume you've never surfed in UK water, a wetsuit and shoes are a must even in the height of summer!

Trin X

HI Trinity

I can't open your message you sent to me...

very strange! Have tried again with my other address!

I have surfed a few times in my kayak! The biggest problem I have is actually getting to the sea, especially when the tide is out.

Am seriously thinking in investing in a little quadbike, but then there would be no one on the water and everyone playing with my wheels!

Message for Trinity.

My name is Talan, I'm a T4/5 complete, and have just started surfing again. I have been working with a surfbaord designer in Polzeath to come up with a way of keeping me on the board and allowing as much independence as possible. The end plan is to have a frame/structure that can be added onto any surfboard that will allow para's (even high level) to surf independently once in the water. You can see pictures at http://www.finisterreuk.com or read about it on the new blog at http://www.disabledsurfing.blogspot.com but only the Finisterre one has the photos.

I'm heading back down there for the first two weeks of August to do some more testing and surfing. There is also a guy, Mark (I think) who teaches out of Newquay. I would like to get together those involved in disabled surfing and create a site so that we can easily find all sites and people helping out. I have bought the domain name http://www.backonboard.com to do this, and have a friend starting to get it up and running.

If you want to get in touch, or there is anyone else interested in surfing, then email me at tskeelspiggins@hotmail.com it's great to be back in the water and surfing again. I did it a week ago and still haven't stopped smiling.

Regards

Talan

DeTar rinity, Hi I think we can help. backonboard is a new thingy set up to help disabled surfer's....surf. We have a prototype and board which has worked well with another injured person t4. Our whole idea is to help as many people as possible get that feeling again, not just one person. please contact me through the web site www.backonboard.co.uk or annastockford@hotmail.com. There area few of us doing this and have recently had to make some tough decisions. However the surf is there for us all and if you want it, we'll make it happen. Talan, previous mail has tries it and done very well......it's easy, Anna

Trinity,

I hope you are able to find a organization like Life Rolls On. Steven was able to suf for the first time 3 weeks ago. It was so awesome. The people were great! So many people came out to help us. I didn't think Steven was on the list to surf that day but, it wasn't a problem. The gave him a rash gurd and borrowed a pair of trunk and out he went. I was so proud of him!!! It brought tears to my eyes. I'll look too and see if I can come up with anything for you. I hope you can get back out there. Have a great day!

Hey Trinity...I'm sorry I have'nt had the chance to drop by the forum in awhile, i've been traveling the last few months.... I'm a ambassador for the Life Rolls On foundation and one of only two paralyzed professional surfers in the world. I would love to help you get back in the water surfing, that is, if you have'nt done so already?!?