Volunteers wanted by disabled surfers association

The Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association is seeking volunteers to help people of all ages and abilities learn how to surf.

The Association's first meeting will be at Umina Beach on November 4.

"Our volunteers serve to provide a unique, safe and happy surfing experience to a wide range of people with various disabilities who would otherwise be unable to access the beach," said association publicity officer Ms Rae Fiechter.

"In order to ensure safety, the Association has a very high volunteer-to-participant ratio, with a minimum of six-to-one up to as high as 30-to-one for more challenging participants," Ms Fiechter said.

"We only surf in broken waves, in waist depth water," she said.

"Volunteers' help participants enjoy the experience that able-bodied people often take for granted.

"Volunteers do not need to know how to surf.

"They just need to be willing to get wet and have some fun.

"Refreshments and a rash shirt will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own wetsuits.

"Volunteering at a Hands-on Day consists of helping participants to and from the beach, assisting them in and out of the water and helping set up and clean up.

"Food is provided and smiles are always encouraged," Ms Fiechter said.

Interested volunteers can register with the association by contacting Ms Pauline Maniskas on 0416 332 166 or email: pmaniskas@hotmail.com.

Another Hands-on Day will be held at Umina Beach on February 2.

The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 and currently has 16 branches across Australia and New Zealand.

The Association sets world's best practice for the sport of Disabled Surfing and creates opportunities for everyone, including disabled participants and able-bodied volunteers, to experience unique, safe and happy surfing events, while under complete supervision from trained Team Leaders and Beach Marshalls.

SOURCE:

Media release, 1 Oct 2017

Rae Fiechter, Disabled Surfers Association