Surfers with disabilities hit Gisborne's beaches

WELL-ADAPTED: Paraplegic waveski surfer Marcus Thompson of New Plymouth takes first place ahead Karl Hobman in an inaugural adaptive surfing division that was part of the 2016 Turanganui Open Waveski Surfing Championships in Gisborne on the weekend. Picture supplied

ADAPTIVE surfing for people with disabilities is growing and becoming visible as a worldwide movement, says paraplegic surfer Marcus Thompson.

The Otaki man was in Gisborne at the weekend with another disabled surfer to compete in an adaptive heat of the Turanganui Open Waveski Surfing Championships, the first heat of its kind held here.

Waveskis make it possible for surfers in wheelchairs or with accident injuries to adapt to a form of surfing in which standing up is not required, he says.

Having competed in the world waveski championships in San Diego in March, Mr Thompson is driving the adaptive surfing movement in New Zealand.

“There have been pockets of people involved in adaptive surfing around the country and now a few people have been involved in waveski surfing.”

The adaptive surfing movement was formalised in New Zealand last year and is now affiliated with Surfing New Zealand and Waveski Surfing New Zealand.

“We are working on becoming a focal point for co-ordinating everyone’s efforts and building a resource base in terms of boards and human resources.”

The degree of assistance needed on and off the water depends on the nature of a surfer’s disability, says Mr Thompson. Because his status is paraplegic, he can sit upright on a ski, paddle, ride waves and remount his board like any other waveski surfer.

“It’s getting on and off the beach that I need a bit of assistance with.”

Adaptive surfing embraces lifestyle and competitive surfing. The physical, mental and emotional health benefits of surfing are well-known, says Mr Thompson.

Under some war veteran programmes, doctors prescribe surf lessons for athletes with disabilities.

“On the water, your core muscles are in action and you are focused. It is physically and mentally therapeutic.

“It is a positive activity whether you do it for lifestyle, competition or health.”

In July, the world waveski championships in Portugal will formally incorporate adaptive surfing and he hopes to be there.

• For the record Thompson beat Wellington’s Karl Hobman, a leg amputee, in Gisborne’s first adaptive surfing heat.