27 February 2025, 10:00 PM
The Disabled Surfers Association continues to break down barriers and build community.For over 30 years, this remarkable organisation has given individuals with disabilities the chance to experience the freedom of surfing, using state‐of‐the‐art equipment and a dedicated volunteer network to ensure every day at the beach is safe, inclusive, and filled with joy.Photo credit Bob McMillan Thirty years ago, while working as a professional lifeguard at Bulli Beach, Ian Picton, now president of the DSA’s South Coast branch, had an encounter that would change his life. “I was on duty when this group turned up for the first time, and a bloke tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Can you help me out, mate?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I can. I'm here to help. What's happening?’ He said, ‘Can you hold this?’ and handed me his arm and his leg.” That man was Len Snowden. Seeing his determination to get into the water, Ian knew he wanted to help make surfing accessible to all.After losing his arm and leg in a tragic train accident while working at BlueScope Steel in 1992, Len refused to let his disability define him.With support from Southern Prosthetics and Orthotics in Unanderra and UK specialists at Dorset Orthopaedic, he received prosthetic limbs so lifelike that even passers‐by pause in awe. But it is his passion for life and his commitment to helping others that truly set him apart.Now a life member of the Disabled Surfers Association, Len remains actively involved, showing that surfing is not just a sport, it’s a form of freedom. One of the most powerful aspects of the Association’s work is the way it introduces young people to individuals with disabilities in a natural and welcoming environment.Early exposure helps them develop empathy, understanding, and a broader perspective on community.Photo credit Bob McMillan “When children interact with people of all abilities, they learn to see the person first, rather than focusing on the disability. This fosters inclusivity, reducing stigma and ensuring that future generations embrace diversity as a natural part of life,” Ian notes.Professor Tonia Gray, an expert in outdoor education and inclusion, experienced this first-hand when she volunteered at the recent event at Gerroa Beach.“It was like Swiss precision. It went like clockwork—so well organised. You feel like you’re part of this incredible event,” she said. As a volunteer coordinating the rotation of surfers, she saw the pure joy it brought to participants.“The joy and exhilaration and just how embodied and alive they become as a result of getting in the water and feeling probably something, they haven't for years - salt water and sun on their faces - it’s just absolutely phenomenal.”Photo credit Bob McMillan She encourages parents of children with disabilities to get involved, saying,“This voluntary organisation is making a landmark shift in the way we treat ability and disability.” Photo credit Bob McMillanThe most recent event at Gerroa Beach saw 145 volunteers supporting 53 participants and 75 carers, creating an unforgettable day of surf, fun, and connection. With the next event set for Port Kembla, the call for volunteers has never been stronger. These events rely entirely on community support, proving that it is not money but people who make the real difference.Register as a volunteer here In Kiama, where the sea and community meet, the Disabled Surfers Association continues to show that the strength of the human spirit can turn even the roughest tides into opportunities for joy and inclusion. The Bugle would like to thank photographer Bob McMillan for sharing these magnificent photos with us and the community
