Locals grab chance to ride waves

James Sanders from the Flight Centre Foundation, Paige Tyler, Maia Lewis and Simon Eggington from Tutukaka Surf Experience. Photo / Halberg Disability Sport Foundation

The chance to ride the waves on a surfboard proved to be an enjoyable experience for physically disabled locals.

Surf Day, held at Sand Bay on Saturday, was part of the Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Surf Programme, a partnership between the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and the charity arm of Flight Centre.

The day gave disabled Northlanders a chance to dip their feet in the water and try out surfing. Maia Lewis, Northland disability sport adviser for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, said surfing was ideal for physically disabled people as it was a holistic experience.

"Surfing for disabled people provides improved health benefits, self-confidence and social interaction for not only the participants but their whanau and volunteers involved."

Ms Lewis said the benefits could be seen on the faces of everyone involved.

"It was awesome, there were over 30 volunteers from Flight Centre and the local Tutukaka Surf guys, and 12 participants aged from 7 to 62. It was fantastic."

Ms Lewis said the day was also an opportunity to help get physically disabled people involved in surf clubs by improving the confidence of coaches.

"It's a chance to upskill the coaches of local surf schools so they feel confident in teaching these kids."

Ms Lewis said the next surf day, hosted by Tiaho Trust, would be held in March.