'Thrill of catching a wave' within reach of disabled kids

James Sanders, gold medalist Rob Waddell and Oliver Emery, 7, check out equipment for the surf programme. Photo / Chris Loufte

Champion rower Rob Waddell celebrated the launch of a new surf programme for young, disabled Kiwis at Auckland's Mission Bay yesterday.

The Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Surf Programme will begin at the end of November and includes five beach events around the country tailored towards the needs of physically disabled youngsters.

Olympic gold medallist Waddell, who is also a Halberg Disability Sport Foundation trustee and New Zealand Chef De Mission, was joined by Oliver Emery, 7, and Flight Centre Foundation chairman James Sanders for the launch.

Oliver suffers from a congenital joint disorder, arthrogryposis, which limits his range of motion from the hips down.

The Auckland primary school student, who received an adapted trike from the Halberg foundation, will be among many Kiwi kids able to attend the surf events this summer.

Special equipment such as an adjustable beach wheelchair, which can be used in sand and roll straight into the water, will be available for use at the events, which Surfing New Zealand is also involved in.

Foundation chief executive Geoff Burgess said the new programme would open "the way for more physically disabled young people to experience the thrill of catching a wave".

Mr Sanders said the programme would "provide these kids with a whole new set of skills and experiences. For some it may even be the start of an ongoing interest in sport."