Disabled Surfers Association: Putting Smiles on Dials
From the tireless efforts of organizations like Surfrider to individuals like Dave Rastovich who put their livelihood at risk in order to have their voices be heard, I have always believed that surfing is as much about giving back as it is taking that which the ocean gives us. Confirming that belief even more, I recently came across a post from the All Men Are Liars blog that brought to my attention yet another example of the surfing community coming together and making a difference.
The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia has been in existence since 1986. The DSA was founded by surfer Gary Blaschke after he lost a kneecap in a motorcycle accident and he realized how difficult it was for people with disabilities to get into the water. Now with 12 branches around Australia and still growing, the DSA uses voluntary forces to provide those with disabilities an opportunity they would otherwise never have, a chance to ride waves.
Included in the blog post was a video of the Sydney Branch’s recent “Let’s Go Surfing Day” that saw more than 100 disabled people take to the waves at a beach in Australia. Among the participants were over 100 surfers with conditions that would have most of us asking,”Why me?” With the aid and assistance of countless volunteers, they took to the ocean and rode waves as if to say,”Why not me?”
Upon learning that the DSA is without a major sponsor from the surfing community/industry and relies heavily upon individual donations as well as funds raised from cook-outs, I decided to contact them and get more information and find out what assistance was needed. Within a couple of days I received the following letter…
We as a humble group of surfers are blown away from the response to our organization’s activities, especially that we are in our twenty second year. Being a total voluntary organization it is amazing that so many people have a problem understanding that there are people within all of our communities, who want to contribute. Even more amazingly within our group, is that not all but most are just weekend surfers, not professionals.
We are proud that in our twenty two years of operation that we have never failed to give an amazing experience to any person, no matter what disability. Kelly is amazing as she is a quadriplegic needing breathing assistance and we resuscitate her as we surf, yet each disability and each individual sets us different challenges. Twisted bodies that can’t lie down on the board and need to be sitting upright or on their back. Some with no communication and coming up with simple signs or pats on the back to tell them to close their mouth or hang on if possible. Most cannot hang on and that is where our special training with tandem riding is so important as we ride with and lock on the bodies that cannot help themselves.
We become the eyes for the blind as most have never been to the beach or know what sand feels like between their toes. Safety is our main aim and selection of special surfing sites with appropriate infrastructure is paramount. Most of what we do is common sense with educating surfers to pull back, as we are not looking for the 6′ tube and to teach carers water skills to be able to read the ocean. The marrying of the two tends to work and we end up with some very unique people who are passionate with our cause.
During our twenty two years of operation both our Federal and State government have refused to support us, as they do not recognize us as a sport because we do not compete. It is a fact that the amazing people that we surf with are competing with life itself and our little contribution gives them hope and their families a little respite. It is amazing although that the authorities and most of the major companies within the surfing fraternity, have failed to see our contribution. Yet 2006 saw us awarded the the state Water Safety Award for Community Education Program of the Year. 2007 saw us awarded the Gold for the NSW Sports Safety Award, “Outstanding Achievement in Implementing Safe Sport Practices”.
No mater what support we get or don’t get, it is a fact that we will continue to do what we do best ” Putting smiles on dials”. No mater how many sausage sizzles we need to do to raise funds for our enormous expansion around the world, it will happen. With Ireland, France, Indonesia, Hawaii and New Zealand wanting our services and currently twelve branches (and growing) throughout Australia, disabled people wishing to look outside the square, will be given the opportunity for this amazing experience.
The DSAA would be happy for you to tell our story to the world, as all within our communities with any disability, deserve the right to live and love the thrill of Surfing.
Gary Blaschke
National President & Founder.
As we at 5ones were, I’m sure there are many within our industry that were unaware of the DSA and what they are about. I have no doubt that as word of their cause spreads there will be many who will want to know what they can do to be of assistance and make it possible for the DSA to continue putting “smiles on dials”. Why? We’re surfers, it’s what we do.
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Posted by Shaun on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 in Surfing.
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