Happy to share their love of the water

SURFING JOY: Tama Wirepa catches a wave at Sunday’s adaptive surfing day run by Gisborne Boardriders Club and Parafed. Origins of Light picture by Don Pearson

Ten budding surfers and their whanau took to the water on Sunday for the adaptive surfing day run by Gisborne Boardriders Club and Parafed.

With the event in its third year, club surfing development officer Flo Bub said it was exciting to see familiar faces and families.

“It's just awesome to be able to give people the opportunity to experience surfing and our love for the water,” Bub said.

He estimated more than half the participants were returnees from previous years.

Tricky windy conditions from Cyclone Dovi didn't make it easy, but the waves were still “perfect” and everyone had a lot of fun, he said.

The club had nine volunteer coaches on hand.

Bub said a personal highlight was being able to see Gisborne Boardriders' growth as a club.

“The club is building its capabilities and it doesn't matter who's running it . . . (what matters is) seeing that we do our upskilling workshops and that they run really well.”

Parafed regional development co-ordinator Lou Ellery said the day was always a highlight for participants. Some were already counting down to next year.

“We're quite lucky in Gisborne that people are so good at supporting us . . . and giving these kids an opportunity they might not otherwise have.”

Parafed was always eager for clubs and organisations who might be interested in collaborating to reach out, she said.

“Any sports organisation that's thinking about having an adaptive session, we're happy to equip members.”

They're also always on the lookout for new members from the physically disabled community who want to get involved.