'We want to break down barriers for disabled surfers'

Team England's para surfers will lead Thursday's sessions

A country-wide tour, aiming to break down barriers for disabled people who would like to surf, is taking place this summer.

Surfing England (SE) is hosting six roadshow stops for people with a physical disability or visual impairment to try the sport.

The team will be at Bristol's The Wave later, before heading to Croyde, Devon, next month.

"We want more people to pick surfing up and see it's possible," SE's operations manager Hannah Brand said.

"Some people might have a physical disability, they might be a paraplegic or a wheelchair user, and for them to work out how they can do surfing safely can seem like quite a daunting thing.

"But now we have all the trained qualified coaches and the tools to do it," Ms Brand.

Some of Team England, which was crowned forth in the 2023 World Para Surfing Championships, will help lead the session

SE attempt to keep para surfing as close to the original sport as possible, Ms Brand added.

"Surfing is an adrenaline sport and you never want to lose that in para surfing.

"It does feel a bit risky and adventurous but that is part of the sport and why people love it," Ms Brand continued.

There is "a lot of innovation" in the industry which is enabling more people to take part in para surfing, Ms Brand told the BBC

“We have things like a combined wetsuit, which might have a zip on the sleeve and down at the ankle that helps get them on a little easier," she added.

Sessions will be led by Team England coaches and athletes between 18:00 to 19:00 BST.