For many people, getting into the ocean is something taken for granted.

For others, it can feel out of reach.

Parafed Bay of Plenty is working to change that, offering adaptive surfing and paddleboarding days at West End that open the water to people of all ages with physical disabilities.

Jo Jackson, Play and Youth Lead at Parafed Bay of Plenty, said the programme offered more than just time in the water.

“It’s a great way for people to connect, and to be by the beach, in the ocean – it’s really cool.”

The initiative creates inclusive sport, recreation and play opportunities for people with physical disabilities, including those who are blind or low vision, and deaf or hard of hearing. Parafed Bay of Plenty has run similar programmes over the past four summers.

Paddleboarding was added two years ago, expanding the ways participants can experience the ocean.

Funding for the programme comes from the Whakatāne District Council’s Te Pūaha Fund, which supports water-based activities.

Ms Jackson said the funding has been crucial.

“We’re incredibly grateful. The fund has allowed us to offer two surfing days and two paddleboarding days, fully funded, which makes a huge difference for access.”

Each session typically involves around 15 participants, though numbers vary depending on individual needs. Some people require more one-on-one support, while others can be supported in small groups. A beach wheelchair, funded by the Wilson Home Trust, allows people with higher physical needs to safely access the water.

“It’s a bit of a juggling act,” Ms Jackson said. “You can’t always say we’ve got five spaces, because sometimes it’s one space depending on the level of support needed. But we make it work.”

Ms Jackson recalls one participant who hadn’t been in the water for six years following an accident.

“When you see someone experience the ocean again after a long time, it really hits home why we do this,” she said.

While surfing and paddleboarding are the focus, Ms Jackson emphasises that the experience is about more than standing on a board.

“Sometimes it’s not about surfing at all. It’s about getting into the ocean. If that’s in a beach chair, that’s just as valuable.”

Specialist equipment, including different board sizes and a large stand-up paddleboard, helps accommodate varying abilities. Safety and comfort are prioritised, with trained instructors and staff supporting participants throughout the day.

Volunteer support can sometimes be a challenge, but Ms Jackson credits Ollie Dobbin and his team at Salt Spray Surf School for ensuring experienced staff are always on hand.

Feedback from participants and whānau has been overwhelmingly positive.

One participant said: “I had so much fun and felt safe with the coaches – not to mention how friendly, welcoming and supportive everyone was.”

Beyond the water-based programme, Parafed Bay of Plenty also runs boccia sessions – a seated ball sport – for all abilities, in collaboration with the Disabilities Resource Centre and Parent to Parent.

These sessions are held about once a month and are expected to resume in March.

Ms Jackson said the goal across all programmes is simple: access.

“Barriers are often money and opportunity. When those are removed, people can just enjoy being active and connected.”

Although registrations for the upcoming days are nearly full, Ms Jackson encourages people who are new to adaptive surfing to get in touch, as spaces may open and additional opportunities are available.

For more information about Parafed Bay of Plenty programmes, contact Jo Jackson at [email protected]

Event dates*
■ Paddleboarding: January 18 & February 15
■ Adaptive surfing: January 25 & February 1

*(Subject to change if conditions are unsafe)