Something truly incredible happened today. We took Dexter out in the driving rain and freezing winds... and we put him in the surf. We attended our first Disabled Surfers event. Dexter went surfing! And, it was amazing! We were excited to see two of Dexter's Music Maker friends there, and one of them brought along her brother, as a volunteer. He did an amazing job, helping people like Dexter surf. We have to say a big thanks to all the organisers, for letting Dexter experience this before he's 3! Also, thanks to Grandma and Grandad; for looking after Charlotte and making sure she stayed dry! Thanks to Dad for taking all the photos, and Mum for taking me in the water and keeping me warm. And, a big thanks to Aunty Carol. She organised for me to do this and gave me my surfing membership as an early birthday present! It was so much fun!!!! |
Everyone is 'colour coded', so the correct level of care can be provided.
The main focus of the day is 'Putting Smiles on Dials'.
And they do that, with incredible energy and love.
Today, it was an awful day. Whether you surfed or not, you were drenched, because the rain bucketed down. The water and the sky were grey, and the weather miserable, but what happened on that stretch of beach today, was simply beautiful.
Words really cannot explain the sense of community and friendship that surrounds a Disabled Surfers event.
For a little boy who cannot walk and run and jump and play... these were incredible moments.
After his surf, he was starving!!
This time, Dexter surfed on his belly, lying on the bean-bag once again.
Again, a volunteer rode behind Dexter and everyone else in his team ran alongside him. Dexter loved it, and his volunteers could see that.
They took him out a little deeper, so the ride could be a little longer.
Watching Dexter riding those waves is a memory we will cherish.
The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia is amazing. This is and Australian concept, and after watching the joys of people with disabilities surfing, there is hope to make this an intentional concept. There are now 15 branches, across Australia and New Zealand. The Disabled Surfers Association is run totally by volunteers. |
'The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 by Gary Blaschke after a motorcycle accident, in which he lost his knee cap and then under went extensive rehabilitation.' (read more here) Thanks to Gary and his creative thinking, Dexter had the opportunity to surf. Putting 'Smiles on Dials'. | As a Registered Charity all donations over $5 are tax deductable. Direct Bank Deposits Commonwealth Bank Account Name: Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc. BSB: 062-256 Account No: 06 2256 1034 0413 Cheques or Money Orders Mailed to: PO Box 345, The Entrance NSW 2261 (Made payable to: The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc) |
Find them on facebook
See Dexter on a stand-up paddle board
Another thing off the wish list
Who is Dexter?
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