SURFING WITH THE PROS
WAVE FUN: Top surfer Rosy Hodge gives Jasmin Bowles, 12, some tips at St George’s Strand yesterday. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Waves for Change programme selected 50 children for a day of making friends and learning the basics of surfing. They will also be taken to see some of the world’s best wave riders at the World Surf League competition in Jeffreys Bay this weekend.
CHILDREN from Motherwell and East London will rub shoulders with some of the world’s best wave riders at the World Surf League competition in Jeffreys Bay this weekend.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Waves for Change programme selected 50 children to participate in a therapeutic day of meditation and learning the basics of surfing at the St George’s Strand beach in Port Elizabeth yesterday.
They took part in pair surfing and team-building exercises that helped them get to know each other better.
“Surf therapy and building friendships help children cope with their daily struggles,” Waves for Change founder Tim Connibear said.
“When they have strong bonds with their friends here, they are able to control their emotions and this helps them resist trauma in the abusive situations they could find themselves in.”
Waves for Change training manager Ashleigh Heese said: “The power-hand meditating method helps them realise their strengths and weaknesses, while the pair surfing teaches them life and communication skills.
“It also teaches them to share equipment with each other and build relationships.
“We want to give these children an opportunity to meet the best surfers in the world and hopefully inspire them to be the best they can be in the end,” she said.
The children rubbed shoulders with professional surfer Adrian Buchan, who is participating in the World Surfing League competition this weekend. Metro councillor Siyasanga Sijadu said: “We are trying to make sure our beaches are safe for our young people.
“We want to ensure that the programme grows and that children from impoverished backgrounds benefit.
“This initiative can help children avoid being stuck in the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse.”
Champion swimmer Ryk Neethling, who was at the surfing activities yesterday, said: “Seeing the stars in these children’s eyes is really heart-warming.
“This programme has put smiles on their faces and given them confidence.
“Having surfed a bit myself, I know that the adrenaline one gets from doing the sport is very addictive and I hope the children maintain the level of enthusiasm and take the programme seriously.”