The Wave Project has announced the launch of its first adaptive surfing hub in Cornwall.
The surf therapy charity, which has its headquarters in Newquay, began offering surf lessons for people with disabilities in 2012 when it pioneered a surfing course for people with learning disabilities and Down’s syndrome in partnership with Cornwall Council.
Adaptive surfing (also referred to as para surfing) runs parallel to typical surfing. With modifications to the equipment, the environment and the support team, people with disabilities can participate in surfing with greater independence, comfort and confidence.
The Wave Project opened its first adaptive surfing hub in Croyde, Devon, earlier this year, in partnership with Surfing England, a local surf school, Surf Southwest, the local community, the local MP, the owners of the beach, and the site. The charity has put in specialist disabled parking and built an adaptive changing room.
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The Wave Project will now open a new hub in Cornwall in partnership with Watergate Bay Hotel.
Joe Taylor, founder and chief executive at The Wave Project, said: “It is a pioneering time for adaptive surfing. Launching our first adaptive surfing hub in Cornwall at this year’s Summer Surf Sessions demonstrates our commitment to supporting accessibility to surfing for people of all abilities.
“This is an exciting time for us at The Wave Project, particularly following the opening of our adaptive surfing hub in Croyde, recognised as a centre of excellence and an official Surfing England adaptive surfing hub– England’s first!”
The Wave Project’s Summer Surf Sessions - previously known as the Summer Surf Challenge- at Watergate Bay will see the launch of the Cornwall hub.
Will Ashworth, founder and executive director at Watergate Bay Hotel, said: “We’ve been supporting The Wave Project with their Summer Surf Challenge - now known as the Summer Surf Sessions - for over five years, and it’s a highlight of our beach events calendar.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people able to use the beach year-round and have the opportunity to get in the waves with their families.”
The official launch of adaptive surfing in Cornwall will take place at Watergate Bay on July 8.
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