Adaptive surfing: Mike Coots has no problems getting barreled | Photo: Coots

Surfing is an inclusive sport, and the number of clubs, schools, foundations, and associations that help disabled surfers fulfill their dreams is growing rapidly.

Everybody can catch and ride waves and enjoy the pleasures provided by ocean swells. That is the essence and the spirit of surfing.

Surfing's healing properties have already been widely confirmed and recognized.

Those who experience the magical glide over salted water notice dramatic improvements in their quality of life, not only in the body but also in the mind and soul.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has been promoting adaptive surfing and, since 2015, has been crowning champions with physical challenges across multiple divisions and categories.

Jesse Billauer: an adaptive surfing champion | Photo: ISA

Para Surfing for All

Today, hundreds of non-profit organizations are working and promoting the well-being of people with impairments, disabilities, and handicaps through surfing.

No one shall be excluded from surfing.

Autism, chronic illnesses, deafness, intellectual disabilities, blindness, mental disorders, and physical disabilities are no excuses to keep men and women from experiencing surfing.

If you know something who could be interested in giving surfing a go, contact your local or national adaptive surfing association.

They have the professionals, the volunteers, and all the adaptive equipment needed to give someone an unforgettable experience in the waves.

Take a look at the most important adaptive surfing organizations in the world:

 

United States

A Walk On Water
www.awalkonwater.org

AccesSurf
www.accessurf.org

Adaptive Surf Project
www.adaptivesurfproject.com

AmpSurf - Association of Amputee Surfers
www.ampsurf.org

Life Rolls On
www.liferollson.org

Ocean Therapy
www.jimmymillerfoundation.org/ocean-therapy

Operation Surf
www.operationsurf.org

Stoke for Life Foundation
www.stokeforlife.org

Surf Quest
www.arcsj.org

Surfers Healing
www.surfershealing.org

 

Australia

Adaptive Surfers of Australia
www.facebook.com/adaptivesurfersaustralia

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia
www.disabledsurfers.org

 

UK

Surfability UK CIC
www.surfabilityukcic.org

The Wave Project
www.waveproject.co.uk

Portugal

SurfAddict - Associação Portuguesa de Surf Adaptado
www.surfadaptado.pt

 

Brazil

Associação Adaptação e Surf
www.adaptsurf.org.br

 

South Africa

Adaptive Surfing South Africa
www.facebook.com/adaptivesurfingsouthafrica

Made for More
www.madeformore.org.za

 

New Zealand

Disabled Surfers Association New Zealand
www.disabledsurfers.co.nz

 

Switzerland

Swiss Adaptive Surfing Association
www.waveriding.ch

 

France

All Water
www.allwater.fr

Association Nationale Handi Surf
www.handi-surf.org

French Adaptive Surfer Tank (FAST)
www.fastsurf.fr

Vagdespoir
www.vagdespoir.com

 

Spain

Kind Surf
www.kindsurf.org

 

Have we missed a disabled surfing organization? Send us an email.

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