Parafed’s Adaptive Surfing is back for 2025’s summer with the support of Salt Spray Surf School and Whakatāne District Council.

These surfing sessions are for people with disabilities who want to have a go on the water, whether to splash, swim or surf.

Whānau and carers can bring along their charges and support them alongside the Salt Spray Surf School instructors.

Parafed Play & Youth Lead Jo Jackson said this year’s initiative was sponsored by the Whakatāne District Council’s Te Pūaha Fund.

“Without their financial support, we couldn’t hold this event,” she said.

“This year we have three back-to-back adaptive surfing dates, and a paddleboard day.”

Adaptive surfing will be held on Saturday, January 18, Sunday, January 26 and Saturday, February 1. The paddleboard day will be held on Sunday, March 2.

A beach chair will be available for anyone who needs it.

Bookings can be made online or by texting Ms Jackson on 027 716 2085 or emailing her at [email protected].

Information requested from applicants includes indicating whether a beach chair is needed, a person’s swimming needs and confidence, and what kind of support they require in the water.

“We don’t discriminate on numbers. If someone has high needs, they might need six supporters in the water. For low needs, we might be able to fit four to five people in one slot. We just need to know in advance to organise the schedule,” Ms Jackson said.

People with disabilities invited to the day also include those who are blind or have low vision, or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Seven people are booked so far, and there are still spaces available for anyone still wanting to apply.

Usual support people are required to attend with surfers as instructors and Parafed representatives will be focused on facilitating the surfing day.

Toys and games will be available on the beach for family members, friends and surfers who want to enjoy the whole day on the beach.

“Just getting into the water for some people is huge. If surfing is a bit too scary, the instructors can just take you for a swim, or a splash in the beach chair,” she said.

“It's amazing sitting on the beach, watching people have the time of their life, and look alive after having done something they didn’t think was possible.”