Young surfers make waves
NEW BOARD LETS ALL JOIN IN
SOUTH Shields Surf School has given youngsters with life-limiting conditions the chance to try surfing for the first time thanks to its specially adapted chair board.
The popular surf school, run by Nick Jones, has the only board of its kind in the North East, which aims to make surfing an inclusive activity for people of different abilities.
Youngsters from St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth were among the first to be able to try out the special board during a surfing lesson this week.
“We were so pleased when St Oswald’s Hospice approached us, as coincidentally we were looking into adaptive surfing at the time,” surf school owner Nick said.
“They came down and jumped in with us and it’s taken off from there! Now we have the chair board, we’re over the moon with how it’s going.
“Each week has got better and better as we get used to using the equipment and the kids love it. The result of this is that it’s changed what’s available for the people of the North East.”
The surf school worked with Beach Access North East, Peacocks Medical Group and East Coast Fibreglass Supplies to create the adapted chair board.
Joss Thompson, who is the matron of the children and young adults service at St Oswald’s Hospice, said: “We’re so thankful to South Shields Surf and the amazing team of experts who made the board – they’ve all been so generous with their time and skills and made this dream possible.”
She added: “The chair board has opened up the opportunity to surf for some of our older children and young adults too. It’s given them such a sense of achievement and we’ve seen some real progress over the sessions.”
Keira Moore, aged 12, from Jarrow, was one of the youngsters who took to the chair board for the first time.
Mum, Terri, said: “Keira’s not been able to surf because she’s got bad circulation but the staff have done everything possible to make sure she
could try. She even had two wet suits on to keep her warm.
“What made it even more special was that Keira had her big brother, Louis, who is 14, surfing alongside
her. Keira was all smiles as she was looking over from the chair board to see Louis standing on his surf board.
“It was the first time they’ve been able to do an activity like this at the same time. It was brilliant seeing them together. They loved it.”
For more on the hospice services and how you can support it, visit: www.stoswaldsuk.org/get-involved