Sea therapy 'should be inclusive'

Organisers of the adaptive surfing sessions said they wanted to break down barriers

A charity that offers therapy on a surf or paddleboard said enjoying the benefits of being on the sea "should be inclusive for everyone".

Jersey-based Healing Waves is running a series of adaptive surfing sessions in Guernsey for adults and children with disabilities and additional needs.

It is their third year visiting the island and one of the founders, Max Wiltshire, said: "Our main aim is to get anyone into the water to surf and paddle board, whether they have a disability or mental health struggle.

"It's all about breaking down barriers and making the ocean a fully inclusive place in the Channel Islands."

Students collect rosettes after their surfing training

Mr Wiltshire said some people need bespoke or one-to-one sessions, "which really works so well".

"We can slowly work towards getting in the water," he said.

"For us, the successes aren't all just about standing up on a board. It's about maybe touching the sand for the first time, getting familiar with the board, then ultimately getting out there and into the sea."

Healing Waves instructors offer people one-to-one training

He said surfing is used in social prescribing, and there was ongoing research into the benefits of the ocean for people's wellbeing.

Mr Wiltshire added getting on the water "calms you, I think it brings you back into that moment, it brings you that tranquillity and presence that we need in our everyday lives that can often be forgotten".

He said pupils from St Sampson's High School, who were at Vazon beach for a lesson, were there to "have some fun" and learn some "transferable skills" which they can use in everyday life.

"The kids in the school sessions seem to love it," he said.

St Sampson pupil Ben said being on the surfboard "feels quite intense".

"I found it very fun."

He added that the instructors "told me if I was doing good."

Fellow pupil Jack said: "I found this really amazing."

He has been surfing before and said: "It's absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed it. I feel very amazing after I've been in the water."