Adaptive Stoke

HELPING HANDS: A record number of volunteers turned out for the clinic. Photo Supplied

The Adaptive Surfing Clinic, held in Muizenberg and hosted by Surf Emporium, marked the official launch of the Roxy Davis Foundation, part of Roxy's aim to become a key driver of grass-roots adaptive surfing in SA.

The clinic also celebrated the launch of an exciting partnership with Virgin Active South Africa as part of their Changing Business For Good initiative. Virgin Active South Africa sponsored five adaptive surfboards for the Adaptive Surfing programme that are specially customized for surfers with disabilities. Virgin Active South Africa employees and members joined the enthusiastic team of over 70 volunteers at the clinic.

The Roxy Davis Foundation - of whom Dale Steyn (top right) is an ambassador - is a non-profit organisation that aims to affect meaningful evidence-based change in peoples lives by improving their mental and physical well-being through ocean based therapy programmes. Directors of the Foundation include Realfin Capital Group CEO Steve Doidge and Head of Discovery Vitality Craig Nossel and nine time South African Surfing Champion Roxy Davis.

HAPPY PLACE: There is nothing quite like the thrill of riding an ocean wave. Photo Supplied

Adaptive Surfing Cape Town, headed up by two time world champion Ant Smyth, remains an instrumental part of the Adaptive Surfing series of clinics. Ant Smyth alongside National Adaptive Surfing team members Tyler Pike and Daniel Nel and Surf Emporium's team of qualified adaptive surf coaches provided participants and volunteers with the guidance and coaching they needed. Ant also heads up the “Learn to Turn” focusing on the competitive side of adaptive surfing.

Grass-roots adaptive surfing participants from across Cape Town attended the clinic, including the Warrior on Wheels Foundation and employees of the Altitude Group who participated in an adaptive surfing clinic for the first time.

Alistair Roberts MD of the Altitude Group had a sign interpreter attend the clinic to assist with the translation of the surf lessons for deaf participants. The surf conditions were ideal at Muizenberg beach with 2-3ft waves and very little wind providing plenty of surf for all participants. There were six teams running concurrently each with a group of adaptive surfers supported by their own head coach, head volunteer, NSRI and volunteer support team. More than half of the participants were first time surfers.

A very special thank you to NSRI station 16 - Strandfontein for their continued support both in the water and on the beach. For more information on how to get involved as an adaptive surfer or volunteer please visit www.roxydavisfoundation.org or contact Roxy Davis 0825628687.