DRIVEN DALE ADAPTS AND THRIVES IN THE SURF
POTTSVILLE adaptive surfer Dale Taylor is a man on a mission chasing his third title in four years at tomorrow’s Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles on the Tweed Coast.
Having competed in the previous three events where he won titles in 2016 and 2018, Taylor is focused on adding to his collection while at the same time doing what he can to promote the sport.
“It’s great to see the recognition of surfers with physical challenges getting out there and having a go,” said Taylor, who was a thalidomide birth baby and was born with a deformed right leg, two toes on his right foot and a right leg 12.5cm shorter than his left.
“This year there will be more than 40 surfers coming from all parts of Australia to take part and while we are highly competitive out in the water there’s also a sense of family among the surfers and their supporters which is fantastic.”
Taylor will be competing in the AS1 Stand division, one of six at the titles.
Father-of-one Taylor said the event, which is part of the
SAE Group Australian Surf Championships being held on the Tweed Coast this week, is expected to attract more than 300 spectators.
“It is very encouraging to have this event supported by
the Surfing Australia and what is really exciting is that Adaptive Surfing will be included in the 2029 Paralympics,” he said.
“I don’t think I will be competing then, I’m 57 now, but who knows, if I can be involved in some way with the national team that would be something I would look forward to.
“I’ve been training hard at the local breaks and hopefully that will pay off and I can go back to back in my division.”
The titles will be tomorrow at the best available break on the Tweed Coast. The daily schedule will be confirmed via the event hotline at 6.45am each day.
The event hotline is 0458 247 212.
For more information, visit www.surfingaustralia.com