Surfing with Disabilities

     Surfing with disabilities would have once been thought impossible. With today’s ingenuity and resolve for breaking boundaries, surfing is a reality for many with disabilities, both physical and mental. Surfing allows an aspect of freedom from the constraints of a disability. The feel of the ocean and its power to move, influences many people throughout the world. Surfing creates socialization and sense of fun.

     Sunlight, open air, and interaction with people pose the most benefit for these individuals. The exhilaration involved helps them be more involved and become active members in the community. The wash of the waves and the smell of the salt air are comforting to lots of people with a multitude of disabilities. With this joy and accessibility safety is a huge concern. Each individual has 6 safety attendants or maybe more depending on level of need and expertise  (Lannen, 2008).

     Adaptive equipment is needed for disabled surfing. There are devices for stability and support for those who need the additional support. These supports help those with paraplegia or body supports so they do not fall off of surfboard. These supports range from Leg Stability Supports which give support at the legs for stability. The price of these range from $39.99 to $69.99 depending on type of support and outfitting. These supports are dynamic enough to be used for multiple disabilities on a broad spectrum (Engle, 2006).

     The use of supports is important for safety and stability. The adaptive equipment is PVC pipe with foam wrapping so that injury is decreased. Stability Bars are relatively inexpensive ranging $19.99 to $29.99 on average. Many manufacturers have the ability to create these types of boards as necessary. Quiet Flight is a surf company that makes custom boards that would have the ability to create these types of modifications (Quiet Flight, 2008). The con for this would be accidents related to stability of board. (Engle, 2006).

      There are other adaptive equipment used but the best is a person. The person will ride on the back of the surfboard to add counterbalance and support for the individual riding the wave. This person is also a safety measure in case the person falls off of the surfboard. Life jackets are utilized but to deter panic there is always a person right there to assist if necessary. The adaptive equipment for balance doesn't leave much for handholds. So the surfboards are outfitted with handholds or placeholders for the individual’s hands for safety and grasp control. The joy of surfing is made possible with assistive technology (Leibs, 2008).

     The Hand Hold/Safety Grasp helps while manipulating waves or surf in the ocean. There are plenty of functional uses for this type of grasp. Support, stability, diving, and turning board with one hand or limited muscle control. The hand grasp is made for relatively little money and minimal damage to board integrity. If someone was to make one for you it would cost relatively $55.00 as a base estimate for resin, labor, and installation (Leibs, 2008). 


    The pros and cons for the assistive technology used are relatively positive. There are always safety experts available but the added technology added to the surf experience enhances independence on the waves. The joy and exhilaration of surfing is portrayed through the individuals in practice. 

Citations

Engle, E. (2006, October 29). Startup nonprofit to make waves. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Star Bulletin:   http://archives.starbulletin.com/2006/10/29/business/engle.html

Lannen, D. (2008, October 16). Thumbs up for Ocean Grove disabled surfers branch. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Geelong Advertiser: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/10/16/23981_news.html

Leibs, A. (2008, October 31). Wave Builds for Accessible Surfing. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from Accessible Recreation @ Suite 101: http://suite101.com/article/wave-builds-for-accessible-surfing-a75975


Video by
VVcleen. (2008, February 25). Disabled Surfers Association of Australia. Australia.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxgMHUkESRM

Photos by

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