Waimairi Surf Club Launches Inclusive Surf Sport Pilot

Christchurch’s Waimairi Surf Lifesaving Club is piloting a NZ-first programme to provide surf education for people between 7 and 17 with physical or intellectual impairments. The 6-week programme, which has 25 enthusiastic participants, is free-of-charge and delivered by volunteers from surf lifesaving clubs across Christchurch at Waimairi Beach.

The initiative was developed by Waimairi Surf Lifesaving Club’s Junior Manager, Maia Smith. A teacher, Maia wanted all young people to have an opportunity to benefit from the skills, fitness and community surf lifesaving offers.

“My brother and I were so lucky to grow up with surf lifesaving and it’s brought huge benefits to us as in all facets of our lives, including water confidence, community and fitness.”

“I’m passionate about giving all young people opportunities to get involved in sport and fitness.”

Maia says it’s not just participants who are benefiting from the programme.

“We’ve already had feedback from parents that it’s a rare opportunity for them to connect with other parents in a similar situation and just be parents watching their kids at sport, which they’ve found really valuable.”

The programme was named All-Star Nippers by Jack, a 12-year-old programme participant with reduced vision. He came up with the name because he believes everybody is a star in their own unique way.

There are 1.1 million people with some sort of disability in New Zealand comprising 24 percent of the population. According to a Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report released last year, disabled young people have lower mental wellbeing scores than young people in general including facing higher levels of discrimination and loneliness.

Participants will learn basic surf lifesaving skills, water safety, fitness and teamwork and most importantly have some fun. They will put their new skills to the test at a special arena event at the Canterbury Juniors to be held at New Brighton Beach on 1 and 2 March.

“We have a few characters in our programme so I’m really looking forward to seeing what they can do at Canterbury Juniors,” says Maia.

Maia hopes that the programme can be rolled out across the country.