SURF CLINICS PROJECT

Surf Clinics Project

The Surf Clinic is at the core of the Surf Action ‘Joined-Up Recovery model’. This is where the veterans meet up, socialise, participate in high intensity water-sports and access the comprehensive support services of Surf Action.

Each clinic begins with a cup of tea and a chat, our regular members immediately picking up where they left off the previous week, newcomers rapidly finding a place and welcome within the team. For newcomers all the requisite paperwork is completed with a member of the Surf Action team so that a physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing base-line can be identified from which Surf Action can help them move forward.

For newcomers we do encourage them to contact Surf Action a couple of days before they attend their first surf clinic so that we can ensure they get the necessary individual attention and maximum personal benefit on the day.

Surfboards, wetsuits, rash vests and necessary surf equipment are all provided although anyone who has their own board or wetsuit etc is more than welcome to bring it along and use it.

When the waves are good, come rain or shine we always go surfing, those more experienced working independently under the watchful eye of one of our instructors, those new to the sport being coached through their initial experience. You can always tell when someone catches their first wave standing up; whoops and cheers come naturally as we all share in the pleasure of their achievement.

For those who are not able to participate in high intensity water-sports for whatever reasons there are other beach activities made available within the stunning coastal environment.

On the rare occasions when the Atlantic throws conditions our way that are too wild for safety we take coastal and woodland walks, we talk, fly kites, take part in team-building activities, explore the beach environment and even carry out beach cleans in order to help preserve our beautiful coastal environment. For a group that numbers many who bear the scars of serious physical and psychological injuries, there is an amazing amount of cheer and laughter.

Once everyone is back from their high intensity activity they sit down and have another cup of tea and chat to unwind. Surf Action staff make use of this time when the veterans are most receptive, having taken strenuous exercise, to speak to the veterans individually and as a group in order to assess their physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing. Details of up-coming courses, educational and employment information/opportunities and volunteering opportunities are passed on and arrangements made for those who wish to participate.

Representatives from outside organisations who can provide information/services which are beyond the remit of Surf Action are also invited to speak on an opportunity basis.

By the end of the surf clinic Surf Action will be in a position to know how to best support each individual veteran in order to help them move forward in their lives.

 

“It frees you up – it’s freedom for those two or three hours – kind of like a bit of respite, it takes you mind off it – just leave all that away somewhere on the beach ….we’ll deal with that later, but for now, when we’re surfing, we’re going to have a laugh – it’s kind of an antidote to PTSD in a way – get your wetsuit on, go for a paddle, ride a wave and it’s like PTSD doesn’t exist for that time – which is all good in my book.”

If you wish to attend a Surf Clinic please contact us by email at: info@surfaction.co.uk so that we can arrange an appropriate wetsuit and suitable surfboard are available for you.

Praa Sands Beach Clinics – Saturdays and Sundays

We meet at 09.30 at the large carpark, which leads down to the Beachcomber Café (TR20 9TQ) (at the opposite end from the ‘Sandbar’). We aim to be in the water for 10.00 and to be all done by mid-day.

We do ask that anyone wanting to attend a clinic for the first time to contact us during the week by email so that we know how many boards etc. to bring along.


Newquay Beach Clinics – Saturdays

We meet at 09.30am outside the Bristol Hotel at the top of Tolcarne Beach (TR7 2PQ). We aim to be in the water for 10.00 and to be all done by mid-day. We do ask that anyone wanting to attend a clinic for the first time to contact us during the week by email so that we know how many boards etc. to bring along.