DSA Australia News and Events 2009

"NEWS FROM DOWN-UNDER"

South Australia Branch

Just a quick run down on our gnarly, have a surf day on Sunday 29th of Nov.09 at Moana SLSC.
Well Saturday, what can you say, 25 to 35 knot onshore wind. Surf 4 to 5 ft. shorebreak. The committee members where worried that the surf might be too big for everyone.The phones ran hot, but the weather man had it right for once.

On the Sunday we woke up to sunny skies, light winds and pumping 3 to 4 ft. wave's with the tide coming in.
The first people in the water that day where some of the committee members, after helping set up everything and watching these nice waves come in they made the exuse that they had to test the water conditions. Sure!!! So before anyone else arrived, they went out and caught a few waves but the Presisdent nearly took out the best wipeout trophy of the day for his classic swan dive. Nice one Kym.

As time drew closer to the start of the event, we were lacking numbers. Committee members worried again!!!(what,why and how) but as every good surfer in S.A. knows, Moana beach works better on incoming tides, so like good surfers and friends our regulars came out of the woodwork. The buzz around the club, the meeting of old and new friends and the eagerness of the participants keen to get out into the surf, it had been a long 9 months since our last event. You could feel the excitment, like Jason who was pumped, always smiling Jenny, cool and smiling in any surf conditions and Glenis dying to be number one as well, we were all ready for a great day of surfing. With the surf getting bigger and the tide coming in, the rides got longer and everyones confidence (and smiles) got bigger (don't mention the wipeouts) but it was a great surf session. Everyone got their wave quota for the day and more.

So as the waves dropped off with the full tide we called it a day and went up to the club rooms for the awesome BBQ. Nothing like nice waves with friends and a good barbie afterwards, it's good for the soul. After the barbie and drinks had been devoured, unique trophies, handmade by vice president, Grant, were presented for best wave, best wipeout, best surf and best smile.

We were also very proud to present Jason Douglas with his award for being runner up DSA surfer in Australia for 2009.

All participants took home a shell medallion with the DSA logo to remember the day as well as some great memories.

The drawing of the raffle completed the day, and thanks to our generous sponsers, regular participant Matt took home first prize of surf gear and goodies.

In 2010 we look forward to continue giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the fun and freedom of surfing and thank all the surfers who come out to enjoy the day and all the volunteers who make the day a success.

Slide Show of pictures from the day Click Here

Best wishes for 2010

Regards

Sandy Faint

Secretary SA DSA

NSW SOUTH COAST BRANCH

"Old Man of the Sea"

DSA South Coast would like to Congratulate Experienced Sandon Point Surfer and DSA Volunteer Alan Reid on Turning 50 on Friday the 15th Jan 2010.

Alan has been volunteering with the DSA for over five years now.
Birthday guests invited to attend Alan's party were asked not to bring him any presents but to make a donation to the DSA South Coast Branch.

A photo display on the night of Alan's party enabled guests attending on the night to gather an understanding of what happens at a usual DSA Surfing event.

At the end of the night a total of $500 was raised towards DSASC
A big thanks from the DSA team go out to Alan and his wife Karen for their
generosity and support.

Ian Picton
DSDASC
President

"SURFERS ENJOY OCEAN OF FUN"

A RECORD 27 participants took to the waves at Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Beach for the Disabled Surfers Association Beach Day on Saturday morning.

Assisted by 109 volunteers, all participants were able to enjoy the surf.

The president of the Coffs Harbour branch of the DSA, Chris Allen, said there were almost as many new faces as there were ‘die-hard’ participants. The day had been ideal with crystal-clear, warm water and small, manageable waves, so most of the people who took part, which included one participant from Valla, had said they would definitely be back. He said the new beach wheelchair, an ‘ingenious device’ had been ‘fantastic’

Sienna Templeton heading out

on the crystal clear water at the

Jetty Beach on Saturday

Three and a half hours of surfing was followed by a barbecue and the presentation of prizes for best wipe-out, best dismount, best wave and other achievements.

“We saw some unique styles and plenty of enthusiasm,” Mr Allen said.

“Everyone stayed in the water all the time.”

The next Beach Day will be held at Scotts Head on March 6, from 9am to noon.

"RIDING THE WAVE OF FRIENDSHIP"

It does not matter if you lie on a surfboard, sit on it, kneel on it or stand up to ride a wave. It's always an exciting thing to do.

"First-time Surfer"

George Angliss with Volunteers

The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSA) offers participants and volunteers an opportunity to get in the ocean together, have fun and socialise. Lasting friendships are made between people from all walks of life.

DSA Gold Coast president Craig Castles says the group has exceeded anything he had thought was possible in so many ways.

"The DSA is all about putting smiles on dials - it's as simple as that," says Craig.

"We are one huge family. Everyone from asthmatics to people with joint injuries and paraplegics are welcome. And everyone becomes a champion surfer - they are the bravest people in the world.

"Surfing and being in the ocean is good for anybody; it beats a hydro-pool.

"Many members find friendship and support and have their interest in surfing renewed."

Eight-year-old George Angliss recently enjoyed his first surfing event and is looking forward to hitting the waves again soon.

George's father James says the day exceeded all expectations.

"George was a bit unsure at first, but once he got in the water he really began to enjoy himself," he says.

"All of the volunteers were very open and inviting.

"George loved it and now he's keen to do it again. Everyone should get out there and have a go."

Craig has been making sure that everyone can enjoy the experience of surfing since 2004.

"I have been surfing for 35 years. I have two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and I have been involved with electric wheelchair sports in Queensland since 2003," he says.

"In July 2004, my wife at the time saw an advertisement in the newspaper here on the Gold Coast promoting a public awareness meeting for the formation of a DSA branch on the Gold Coast.

"She said ‘that sounds like something you could get into'.

"I am well aware of how beneficial the ocean is to all of us, and the thought of being able to not only share that with my sons, but all disabled people, was something I had to be involved in.

"I went to the meeting and I was blown away. Straight away I knew I had to get involved, so I signed up for the new committee.

"I started by fundraising for the first year, became vice president in the second year, and I have been president for the past three years."

Craig says the DSA has about 100 volunteers at each event on the Gold Coast.

"They run the committee, they help to take people surfing, monitor surf conditions, help with the sign-in table, cook the barbecue, set up equipment, ferry wheelchairs across the sand, organise beach activities and make people feel welcome and at ease.

"All people involved with the DSA do it on a voluntary basis."

Craig says the DSA helps people with a disability to enjoy what many people take for granted - that's catching a wave any way possible.

"You become part of the force of nature. It's a buzz," he says.

"I love the DSA and all the people involved. It has become a major part of my life and keeps on getting better.

"We are all very lucky to have the ocean and each other."

The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia operates in many locations across Australia and New Zealand.

For more information, Click Here

2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005