A ONE-of-a-kind accessible surfing event is coming to Bude next month.  

The 2024 Para Surfing Roadshow will be held on May 12. The one-day event has been launched by Surfing England and hopes to bring a new generation of para-surfers to the sport.

A spokesperson from Surfing England said: “Ever wanted to try surfing? Now is your chance with the Surfing England Para Surfing Roadshow. 

“With para surfing potentially being included in the 2028 LA Paralympics, there’s never been a better time to have a go at this exciting sport.”  

Those interested in getting involved will be led by Team England coaches and athletes who recently took fourth place at the World Para Surfing Championships.

To ensure the day remains accessible, parking, toilets and changing areas will be available for participants.

Organisers have also added that they will be doing their best to make ‘the day as accessible as possible’.

A spokesperson explained: “Beaches can be quite difficult to navigate particularly if you have a mobility device such as a wheelchair. We will do our best to make the day as accessible as possible and will provide beach wheelchairs to give access onto the beach and into the water.”

With a variety of needs in mind, the event will also provide boards, buoyancy aids and life jackets, helmets, rash vests, beach wheelchairs and surfboards. 

The event, which is supported by Saltrock, is also being aided by local Bude-based group Adsurf.

Set up in 2022 after the desire for adaptive surfing in and around Bude had become increasingly evident, AdSurf took the opportunity to start something special.

The group aims to include everyone who wants to experience the numerous benefits of the sea and surfing, by providing accessible and adaptive surfing to people with disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodiversity. 

Now, thanks to this roadshow and the work of Adsurf, those with disabilities could experience new ways to enjoy the sea and get involved with an Olympic sport. 

Cornwall councillor for Bude and Bude-Stratton town councillor Peter LaBroy told the Post: “Adsurf are working with Surfing England to have the first Adaptive Pathway roadshow here in Bude on May 12. People with physical challenges will be provided with support to enable them to access the sport of surfing. 

“This gives an amazing opportunity to experience the ocean, which would otherwise be almost impossible.  

“I’m so pleased that Adsurf here in Bude have been working on adaptive surfing and delighted that Bude will be hosting the very first roadshow for Surfing England.  

“This is going to be a great weekend for many people to experience a warm welcome to Bude and have a taste of adventure.” 

More information and where to book can be found on Surfing England’s website