New inclusive surf group making waves in Porthcawl

A new Porthcawl surf group has joined the wave of local clubs that are offering opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy sport.

Social enterprise Karma Seas provide inclusive sessions each week for all ages and abilities to hit the surf at the town’s beaches.

Karma Seas are already working towards obtaining Disability Sport Wales’ Insport Ribbon Standard, which recognises a sports clubs’ commitment to providing inclusive opportunities.

Julia Thomas, who set up Karma Seas earlier this year, said:

“We’re dedicated to making surfing, yoga and beach activities accessible to people who are currently excluded through social or economic disadvantages.

“Our aim is to make the therapeutic physical and mental health benefits of surfing available to everyone, regardless of disability, age, gender, culture or economic status.

“We are currently running sessions most weeks for young people and adults with a variety of learning disabilities, brain injury, autism and physical limitations. We have also recently run our first Aspergers and ASD families surf sessions, as well as a session just for ladies.”

Cllr Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations, said:

“It’s great to hear about the opportunities that Karma Seas are offering. We’re very proud that our local beaches provide some of the best surfing conditions in Wales and it’s always great to see even more people enjoying having a go at the sport.

“In addition to Karma Seas, a wide range of other local sports clubs also offer inclusive activities for people with disabilities so I would encourage people to find out more by visiting the Disability Sport Wales website at www.disabilitysportwales.com to see what’s available.”

If you’re involved with a local sports club and would like to find out more about how your club could become more inclusive to people with disabilities, please contact Chris Foot, the Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for Bridgend County Borough, by calling 07970 268322 or emailing chris.foot@bridgend.gov.uk

To find out more about Karma Seas, please call Julia on 07919 133855. The club would also welcome any donations of old foamies, body boards or wetsuits that are in good working order.