North Devon Journal September 2002

Blind youngsters on crest of a wave

Surf school instructors are amazed by the talents of their special guests at event

The Incredible thrill of surfing the North Devon coast is a buzz for anyone – but when a group of children with little or no sight took to the waves in Croyde the experience proved to be overwhelming for them.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was presented to the children from the West of England School in Exeter, by Croyde surf school “Surf South West".  Owned by established surfer Darren Burrett, the school has been holding an annual charity day for less fortunate children since they opened their doors seven years ago.

Not only do they present both visitors and local people with the opportunity of learning to surf every summer but they also offer children from various backgrounds, with different abilities the chance to experience surfing.

Darren said: “This is the first time that children with partial sight have ever been taken surfing, so obviously both myself and my instructors were unsure what to expect, but it proved to be an absolutely incredible experience and we were all quite staggered at how well they did considering the challenges they face.  It was amazing how quickly the children picked up the basics and by the end of the lesson most were actually standing up and surfing."

Surf South West approached the school with their idea several months ago and it was extremely well received.  Darren added: “I don’t think I have ever worked with a responsive and attentive group of youngsters and I would not be lying if I said they were probably better than the majority of fully sighted people that we teach on a regular basis, which was wonderful.  It was a big learning curve that was exhilarating for everyone involved, and I think I speak for all of the instructors when I say it was not just an inspiring, but very humbling experience."