Surf sessions for disabled people returns to Cornwall

The only free surfing event of its kind in the UK, The Wave Project’s Summer Surf Sessions - previously known as the Summer Surf Challenge - are taking place on 8 July at Watergate Bay in Cornwall. 

The Summer Surf Sessions’ Watergate Bay event will be launching The Wave Project’s first adaptive surfing hub in Cornwall. 

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. 

Joe Taylor, Founder and CEO 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 began offering surf lessons for people with disabilities in 2012 when it pioneered a special surfing course for people with learning disabilities and Down’s syndrome in partnership with Cornwall Council. 

Alongside the familiar base of Watergate Bay in Cornwall, Scarborough will jointly host the Summer Surf Sessions from their adaptive surfing hub in South Bay. 

Joe Taylor continued: “We’re delighted to run this year’s Summer Surf Sessions from two locations, bringing the opportunity to experience surf therapy to a wider audience.

"Reaching young people in both the North and South of the country is vital to our continued support of children around the UK and will allow us to help double the number of people at this year’s event."