The team at Blue Horizons Surf Club just outside Tenby in Pembrokeshire have been teaching surfing lessons for over 20 years.
Recently, they have chosen to devote their time and energy into providing lessons for children and adults who are differently abled. This includes those with autism and wheelchair users.
They are now one of a tiny handful of organisations across the UK to offer adaptive surfing including seated and tandem surfboards, as well as prone boards with chest raisers and handles.
Most importantly, Blue Horizons understands the need for all users to feel safe and supported. This means providing a seated session for wheelchair users with support from two highly qualified instructors and four volunteers for the duration of a lesson.
It’s an offering that relies heavily on support from qualified volunteers and local sponsors in order to keep costs affordable. However, Blue Horizons is committed to making its offering fully accessible financially as well as physically.
Tuition can be tailored to include weekend courses (2 x half-day courses), individual lessons and – for local people – weekly lessons.
There are several wheelchair-friendly accommodation options within easy driving distance from Blue Horizons including Bluestone National Park Resort, which has a number of adapted family rooms.
A three-night stay at the Solva adapted lodge (with wider doorways and adapted wet room), for example, will cost from £630 including free use of an electric buggy and free access to the Serendome and Water Park.
Prices for tuition at Blue Horizons start from £40 for a half-day surf course, rising to £120 for a half-day seated session supported by two instructors and four volunteers.
Visit www.bluehorizons.wales or call 01646 685273.
Images Courtesy of Becky Tooby.
To keep up-to-date with all the latest news, advice and information on independent living, subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine.
