Bunker Bay surfing session for people with disabilities in December

The first Disabled Surfers event of the season will be held at Bunker Bay on December 9.

Organiser Ant Pursell, who has been running the events for 16 years said they were “ready to give the guys who turn up a great day in the water”.

Between December and March Mr Purcell runs four disabled surf events every year at Bunker Bay.

These sessions give wheelchair users an opportunity to experience the thrill of surfing in a safe, inclusive and controlled environment.

Using the ramp built by the City Of Busselton, and some rolls of matting designed for military vehicles, the beach at Bunker Bay will be rendered accessible for wheelchair users.

Four specialist beach wheelchairs will also be available to help get people into and out of the water, and onto their boards.

The team aims to get the first surfers under way about 9.30am and the surfing will run through until lunchtime.

Each session is free, and this includes a sausage sizzle and drink.

Mr Pursell is appealing for people with disabilities keen to have a surf as well as volunteers to help at the event.

“I surfed all my life, right up until my third stroke.” Mr Pursell said.

“Now I focus on doing what I can to help others.”

The Disabled Surfers sessions cost about $5000 a year to run, and these costs are covered by donations from Doral, Busselton Water, and C D Dodd Scrap Metal Recyclers.

Tas’s bakery in Dunsborough has provided the bread rolls for the sausage sizzle since the first event 16 years ago.

To find out more or to register as a volunteer please email Ant Pursell at president-south-west@disabledsurfers.org or call 08 9755 4037.