Adaptive Board

Healing Waves has secured both the first and second adaptive surf/paddle boards within the Channel Islands. These boards enable any individual who may have less physical ability e.g. wheelchair users, to access the ocean and participate in surf and paddle activities.

Adaptive Board sessions run for 1 hour in total.  Our adaptive Surf and Paddle sessions run from both Le Braye and St.Brelade’s depending on weather and surf conditions.

Surf sessions are typically run in tandem with two Athletes in the water with a team of eight around them.  However, Healing Waves does offer the opportunity for Athletes to have private sessions if they prefer. Running surf sessions of this nature requires Healing Waves to have a minimum of four appropriately trained Volunteers per adaptive board. To run adaptive paddle sessions requires a minimum of two appropriately trained Volunteers per adaptive board.

We meet at Le Braye beach car park and St.Brelade’s car park (opposite Pizza Express).  Please look out for the Healing Waves flag and our Volunteers.  If for some reason you cannot find us, please call one of us on the number you will have been given. Failing this, direct message our Facebook page.

Your session time will be stated in your welcome email, however we ask that you arrive at least 20 mins early to allow time for signing in, getting changed and meeting your Volunteer team.

We suggest that you bring some sun cream, a small snack and a bottle of water for after your session.  You will also need a towel and dry clothes. We do have towels but these are limited.  We will supply wetsuits (unless you have your own), surfboards, bodyboards and lifejackets if you require one.

You will already have received the profile of the volunteer(s) that you or your loved one will be paired with. If you have any questions or concerns about the volunteer(s) provided, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will look to make alternative arrangements if required.

Signing In and Out – Athletes under the age of 18 will need a Parent/Guardian to sign them in and out of their session. All records of Signing In & Out will be made available at any time to view by those it may concern.  We kindly ask that parents/guardians stay in the area, but if you do have to leave, please be back on time at the end of the session to sign your child out.

Changes in Weather or Swell Conditions – Unfortunately, we cannot predict changes in the weather or swell conditions. If the weather and/or sea become unfit to surf/paddle in, we may end sessions immediately. Because of this, we suggest that parents/guardians remain close by and be ready to sign their child out of their session if necessary.  We will aim to have some beach games available to play if this is the case.

Getting Ready at Home – If you are using your own wetsuit, you might like to put it on at home to save time.  We suggest that all service users apply sun cream before arriving at the beach and getting in the water.  The sun’s rays can still be harmful even when it is cloudy.  Having a light snack an hour before your session will also keep those energy levels up!

A minimum of three Volunteers are assigned to the roles of wipe out assistance per Athlete. They are required to drop back and form a ‘runway’ for the board to ride through and to be readily on hand in the event of a wipe out. The fourth Volunteer is in charge of leading the team and controlling the board whilst riding with the Athlete.

In addition to all Adaptive Athletes having a team of Volunteers who are trained to manoeuvre the board, RNLI Beach Lifeguards keep a special eye on our sessions. We typically have extra Volunteers on the beach as additional eyes and ears.

All Adaptive Athletes will be required to wear a helmet, a life vest and for those who struggle to regulate their own body temperature a heated rash vest will be provided.  Please ensure you let us know in advance. Transfer slings are used (when required) to safely transfer Athletes from their own chair into our floating beach chair on dry land.

For Adaptive paddle sessions we have a designated safety person who typically joins us in a sea kayak. A safety bag containing rescue me locators, a mobile phone, flares, first aid kits, water, snacks and other useful tools for emergency situations is also brought along for the paddle.

We do ask that all Athletes listen to the advice and instructions given to them by their Volunteer and conduct themselves in a safe manner at all times.  Unfortunately, any Athletes deemed to be putting themself, their Volunteers or other Athletes in danger will be asked to exit the water and return to the beach immediately.

(Volunteers will remain with their Athlete should this be necessary).