Surfing is an inclusive sport, and the number of clubs, schools, foundations, and associations that help disable 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.
Para Surfing for All
Today, there are hundreds of non-profit organizations 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.