Irish Surfing found a new trick to encourage kids and their parents to take to the waves through two introductory programmes.
Thanks to the Sport NI Systems Partners Investment, funded by the National Lottery, Irish Surfing ran a programme for 8-14 year olds from Belleek, Garrison and surrounding Fermanagh community.
But this wasn’t a drop off and go, as parents could then sign up for their own programme with Fin McCool Surf School, allowing them the chance to participate in surfing nearby while their children attended the junior session.
The programme was held at nearby Rossnowlagh Beach in Donegal, a short journey for participants, to encourage families to make use of the sporting facilities close to home.
Sessions took place over four consecutive Sundays with Rossnowlagh Surf School and all 24 youth places were filled and 18 places for the adults ranging in age from 18 to 76.
Irish Surfing Development Officer for Northern Ireland, Carla Magee, said: “These programmes were a great example of how we can break down barriers to participation, build confidence and help people discover the benefits of being active in the sea. By running both a junior and a women’s programme, we were also able to make it easier for families to get involved together.
“We see this as just the beginning of further surfing development in Northern Ireland, creating more opportunities for people to get involved, supporting local surf schools and clubs, and helping to build a stronger, more connected surf community.
“Thank you to Sport NI and the National Lottery for helping Irish Surfing create opportunities for more people to get involved in surfing, including those who may not otherwise have had the chance to try the sport.”
Running the women’s and junior programmes simultaneously addressed a practical barrier for families whilst supporting participation across generations.
One parent, Eleanor said: “We had tried surfing before but never with any kind of consistency. These classes provided the consistency we all needed to notice an improvement and was something we looked forward to every week.
“I feel so much more confident now and am actively looking for opportunities to get back in the water and practice.
Another parent, Carina, added: “The surf programme was an amazing opportunity for myself and my children. It was a fun way to exercise, especially for the kids. We will try to keep it going as it was very good for our mental and physical health.”
For other parents, the programme was about having the opportunity to try a different sport that before may have not been as accessible to take part in, as Clare explained: “As a mum of two boys with ASD and ADHD, it was genuinely wonderful to see them so happy, confident and willing to engage with the group. They looked forward to every session and got so much enjoyment from being in the water.
“The biggest testament to the programme is that it hasn’t ended after the four weeks for us! I’ve now had to buy them wetsuits with the two of them keen to join the local surf club and keep surfing. Santa will apparently be surfing to our house this Christmas with boards!”
At the end of the four-week programme, participants were provided with the opportunity to join Rossnowlagh Surf Club at a reduced membership fee of 20 euros. The club will provide access to surfboards and further coaching programmes for those who wish to continue their surfing journey.
This investment is made possible by National Lottery Funding. Thanks to National Lottery players, over £33 million is raised every week for good causes.