Disabled surfers call for volunteers

The Central Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association has called for volunteers for its next Smiles on Dials event at Umina Beach on Saturday, February 4.

The association is a volunteer organisation that enables people of all ages and abilities to take part in beach surfing.

Volunteers provide a unique and safe surfing experience to a wide range of people with various disabilities who would otherwise be unable to access the beach.

To ensure safety, the association has a high volunteer to participant ratio, with a minimum of six to one up to as high as 30 to one for more challenging participants.

The association only surfs in broken waves in waist depth water.

Volunteers help participants to and from the beach, assisting them in and out of the water and helping set up and clean up.

They do not need to know how to surf, just to be willing to get wet and have some fun.

A rash shirt will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own wetsuits.

Sign in on the day is at 9am with surfing starting at 9.30am.

A free barbecue is provided from noon.

To register as a volunteer, contact: Pauline Maniskas on 0416 332 166, email pmaniskas@hotmail.com, or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1618817568440662/.

Media release, 5 Jan 2017

Rae Fiechter, Disabled Surfers Association Central Coast