Introducing surfing to everyone
A recent surfing camp in Streedagh was aimed at sports inclusion and saw large numbers take part in the week-long sessions.
This camp was previously known as surf2heal and has been running in Sligo since 2011. The event is organised, funded and overseen by a number of entities including Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo Autism Services, the Irish Surfing Association and local surf instructors. The camp is a project under the partnerships sports inclusion disability programme and the Sligo Sports inclusion disability officer has been overseeing the organisation and running of the camp since 2011.
There were 3 sessions per day and each hour-long session facilitates a different group of children. A total of 24 children from the age of 7 to 17 took part in the camp this year and over 50 volunteers assisted these children on the water throughout the week.
The participants have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and the nature of the surf4all camp enables these children to access the sport of surfing in a fun orientated, safe and positive environment.
Individuals with autism find the water soothing and therapeutic and the sport of surfing is structured and systematic and really suits the needs of our children.
The generosity of the volunteers ensure the camp is an ongoing success.
Some give one hour of their time and others showing immense dedication by volunteering for the full week.
The volunteers’ enthusiasm and energy make the camp a meaningful experience for each person. Previous participants of the camp have progressed to taking mainstream surf lessons and some are surfing on a regular basis thanks to the foundation knowledge and water confidence the surf4all camp provided. This shows the camps are extremely beneficial to all taking part.