Miriam Bilander, BSRV Program Manager, shares a great day out with two groups of young participants riding the waves.
The April school holidays began with a lot of excitement for a group of ten kids with vision loss who were lucky enough to attend BSRV’s learn to surf session at Urbansurf in Airport West, Melbourne.
The participants were split into two age groups - six to twelve year olds in the morning and thirteen to eighteen year olds in the afternoon. Greeted by two experienced surf coaches, Anthony and Matt, participants were tutored in the art of ‘pop ups’, foot-work and surf-stance before squeezing into wetsuits and brightly coloured rashis.
A quick discussion with helpers about where the rip was located, and the kids were in the water paddling at top speed. Impressively, it did not take long before everyone honed their balance and technique, and were riding the waves into the shore with a big grin on their faces and an urge to get back out and do it all over again!
“This activity was great! I liked surfing in the surf-park better than surfing in the ocean because you don’t get hit in the head when the surfboard goes flying and you don’t get barrel-rolled by the waves. I appreciated all the support. I felt secure and safe to stand up on the board. The staff and the volunteers were really great”.
BSRV participant, Pheobe.
Check out Alex smashing a wave all the way to shore.
Thank you to ACU student, Jasmin, and Hume City Council for all their support.
