Surfs up in bid to become Scotland’s first all-inclusive school for learning disabilities

SCOTLAND’S only autism surf school is planning to expand to become the country’s first fully inclusive school for surfing.

Surfable Scotland was established 18 months ago by autism charity Friendly Access and surf school Riding High as the first surf school to support those with autism and hidden disabilities.

The programme now intends to branch out to become the first surf school in Scotland to cater to those with physical disabilities and mobility difficulties.

Glyn Morris, chief executive of Friendly Access, said the initial project was a form of pilot to show there was a demand, and also a need to make the programme more inclusive.

Based in Lossiemouth and Sandend in Moray, but also touring to places such as Aberdeen, he said people come from as far as Midlothian for the two-hour sessions and the school has already built up a 100-strong participant base.

He said: “We like to pay close attention to allow people to say they can do things, not can’t do things. But we know there are many barriers many individuals or families may find difficult, so we change our approach and cater to that, regardless of disability or condition”

“Out area of expertise is autism, but our aim is to also become an adaptive surf school.” For more information, see the website: www.friendlyaccess.org