Surfing charity to continue making waves for all

Tuesday 26 December 2017

A trio of surfing enthusiasts behind a charity designed to help individuals get in the water, regardless of their age, disabilities or conditions are not planning on slowing things down in 2018.

With the help of 20 volunteers, Dominic Booth, Seán Burke and Max Wiltshire launched Healing Waves this year and have enabled over 30 people to enjoy the benefits of the ocean in just over two months.

The numbers are set to rise in 2018 as Healing Waves should receive the island's first wheelchair adapted surfing board early next year. 12 feet long and 34 inches wide, the made-to-order board costs £3,000 and comes with a race car-style bucket seat. It was developed with occupational therapists and can be padded to be made more comfortable or to accommodate people of different ages and heights. 

Max Wiltshire explained: "This is our next step in trying to be as inclusive as possible and it is really touching to see how much it means to people. It is so nice to see that people want to do this. The benefit is very apparent as well. It means a lot to all of us, we never thought it would take off this way. It is humbling and we really are at a loss for words."

While the trio has had to put away their boards for the winter, they are not staying idle. They are currently organising a few events to help raise some much needed funds. They are also planning what to do in 2018 and shared their plans with Express...

Pictured: Healing Waves will receive the island's first wheelchair adapted surfboard early next year.

"For those of you who don’t already know who we are: Healing Waves was formed in 2017 to enable individuals despite of their conditions and/or disabilities to access the ocean in a safe way. This is so that they can participate in water sport activities and experience the therapeutic benefits that the ocean holds for us all.

"Our main wish is that Healing Waves will continue bettering the lives of others, enabling people with opportunities for new and meaningful experiences that they might not be able to do otherwise. Not only in 2018, but also for generations to come.

"We really hope the Healing Waves name will continue to grow, receiving more backing and support, so that we can reach out and help individuals of all walks of life and backgrounds. Ultimately spreading the important messages of Blue Mind, Blue Health and Ocean Therapy. The ocean should be and will be inclusive for all!"