Hands on help for surfers

November 30, 2007

Section: News, Community

SOUTH Coast Disabled Surfers (SCDSA) will hold its 15th hands on disabled surfing day at Thirroul Beach on Saturday, December 1.

The event is scheduled to coincide with International Day for People with a Disability on Monday, December 3.

“We have had a large number of disabled surfers pre register and we expect more to register this week and even more to just turn up on the morning of the event,” SCDSA president Ian Picton said.

With that in mind the SCDSA has called on anybody who can spare three or four hours to volunteer at the event.

“Our association has strict volunteer-to-participant ratio numbers with a minimum of six helpers to one disabled surfer,” Mr Picton said.

“Sometimes we need 30 helpers to one surfer.”

That scenario will take place on Saturday as Sydney quadriplegic Kelly McCann intends to come along and enjoy the surf.

Kelly's condition is the result of a car crash that occurred when she was three and is similar to that of the late Christopher Reeve, who is best known for playing the title role in the original Superman movie trilogy.

“Despite being a quadriplegic, needing assistance breathing and having a tracheotomy hole open to the water, Kelly will not miss an opportunity to get into the water and have a surf,” Mr Picton said.

All volunteers are requested to meet at the back of Thirroul Surf Club at 9.30am to sign in for insurance purposes.

They will then receive a brief on the day's events before heading to Thirroul pool where the events are scheduled to kick off for the day.

They will then venture out to the nearby surf to catch some waves.

All volunteers attending the day will go into a draw to win a Manta Bodyboard with the SCDSA also providing lunch and drinks throughout the day.

For more information call Ian Picton on 0421 601 222.