Disabled Surfers Association Bass Coast

The Disabled Surfers Association (D.S.A) will be offering a surfing experience for people with a disability at the Inverloch Surf Beach in February each year. The event involves taking people with any disability for a surf on broken waves in waist depth water with a minimum ratio of 1 surfer to 6 volunteers (typically we have 20 volunteers/to 1 surfer). Surfers assume the most comfortable position on the board (typically laying or sitting) we also have a specially made floatation device which sits on the board and provides support. An experienced “Red Shirt” team leader is positioned on the back of the board to provide support and safety while on the wave, the other 20 or so volunteers form a human tunnel for surfers to ride in between. For ongoing events we are hoping to create a local DSA Branch and with the assistance of local sponsorship, volunteers and support to purchase necessary equipment; Beach Wheelchairs, 11 ft. surfboards, DSA Rash vests, transportation trailers and Marquees. Participation would be expected to be approximately 200 volunteers and 60 surfers (participants). Food, water and sunscreen will be supplied on the day. This public event is covered by Public Liability through the Disabled Surfers Association.