People with disabilities now get the chance to enjoy the thrills of surfing in Donegal thanks to a novel addition at Liquid Therapy.
The South Donegal-based social enterprise is breaking new ground with Ireland’s first seated surfboard.
The board is a safe and supportive way for those with mobility challenges or complex physical needs to engage with the ocean and ride waves. With its unique design, the surfboard offers stability and comfort, enabling users to enjoy the experience and joy of surfing while seated.
The Seated Surfboard will be used officially for the first time in Ireland at the Liquid Therapy OPEN, on the 22nd of September. This is Liquid Therapy’s end of season community volunteer event, held every year at Rossnowlagh Beach in Donegal. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the seated surfboard in action and participate in surfing sessions. Find out more here on www.eventbrite.ie
Liquid Therapy’s new service is in collaboration with Donegal Sports Partnership, with funding from Sport Ireland via Dormant Accounts Funding.
Service user Conor McCormick was one of the first to experience the joy of surfing on the board. His mother Deirdre said: “Conor absolutely loved it. He came alive in the water. I just can’t explain what a great experience it was.”
Thérèse Laverty, Sports Inclusion Lead with Donegal Sports Partnership, commented, “It is no surprise that Liquid Therapy continues to push boundaries. This unique board will offer a life-changing opportunity for those with disabilities to experience the freedom and connection with nature that surfing brings. The board, which is custom-made to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities, marks a significant step towards making surfing accessible to all in Donegal. The exciting development reaffirms Liquid Therapy’s commitment to inclusion and innovation in the world of adaptive surfing.”
The collaboration with Donegal Sports Partnership and Sport Ireland has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Together, we aim to create opportunities for individuals with additional needs to participate in surfing, fostering a sense of community and empowerment through sport.
“We are incredibly proud to introduce this first-of-its-kind surfboard to Ireland, our mission has always been to promote inclusivity in sport, and this launch represents a significant step forward in making surfing accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities” said Tom Losey, Manager and Founder, Liquid Therapy.
“Liquid Therapy is excited to share this milestone in Irish adaptive sports and continue to work with its partners to continue to break down barriers to participation in sport and society,” Tom said.
