Fun in the surf with the Disabled Surfers Association, back for five free sessions

THE Mid North Coast Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) will soon launch another season of surfing.

Affectionately known for putting smiles on dials, the free days are run by kind-hearted community volunteers and surfers who come on the day for numerous jobs on the beach to make it a safe and fun experience.

There are five local surf day sessions: Saturday 31 October 2026, Coffs Jetty; Saturday 28 November 2026, Woolgoolga Beach; Saturday 9 January 2027, Coffs Jetty; Saturday 6 February 2027, Woolgoolga Beach;

and Saturday 6 March 2027; Coffs Jetty,

Whether people are wheelchair users, living with intellectual disability, vision-impaired, or living with other conditions, all are welcome to come surfing with the DSA, Coffs Harbour DSA spokesperson Richie Goddard told News Of The Area.

“Sometimes it’s more than just surfing; we’ve had people drive four hours from inland communities to come for the day, just to take in the beach and community we live in,” he said.

Following the surfing activities, the Coffs Harbour Rotary Club and Woolgoolga Lions Club provide a free sausage sizzle.

Mr Goddard said further information and sign-on details could be found on the Facebook page: Mid North Coast Disabled Surfers Association.

“On our page, we also have photos from our surf days, and you can find the sign-on link whether you’re a surfer or volunteer,” he said.

This year the national organisation is celebrating its 40th birthday founded after Garry Blaschke suffered a motorbike accident and started the Disabled Surfers Association, originally on the Central Coast.

From its beginnings, it grew in Australia across 17 national branches as well as one branch in New Zealand.

“The big news for the Mid North Coast branch is that next year is our 20th anniversary of operating in the community,” Mr Goddard said.

“It started with the Barney Miller Classic surfing carnival, to raise money to start our branch, making it what it is today.

“Past federal member Luke Hartsuyker supported the local DSA start-up by placing a trailer in the Park Beach Plaza food court where locals could throw in money to get the branch off the ground.

“To celebrate our 20th anniversary, come the new year, we are launching a mega raffle.

“The first prize has been kindly produced and donated by Marcus Geary of Sawtell Surfboards – a 9’6’’ single-fin longboard.

“The raffle will be drawn on our last surf day in March, where we will also have a giant birthday cake.”

Money raised from the raffle will be used to fund the organisation’s birthday present to itself – a new upgraded trailer to help with surfing days into the future.

“Whether you’re a surfer or kind-hearted volunteer, come along to one of our surf days to bring another season of smiles on dials,” said Mr Godard.

By Andrea FERRARI