The Blind Surf Event

by Rachael Graff
(Enciniats, CA, USA)

Sight-Impaired Surfers Hit the Beach
Event introduces the magic of surfing to the blind

CARLSBAD- On Sunday, Sept. 14, a surfing event for the sight impaired will be held at south Ponto state beach in Carlsbad from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Photo opportunities will be taking place between 9 and noon.)

This is the thirteenth year that sight impaired teens and adults from all areas of San Diego have been invited to hit the waves under the super vision of expert surfers. The Swamis Surfing Association, the Encinitas Lions club, and the San Diego surfing Academy sponsor the non-profit event.

“This has been an incredible experience, for both the sight-impaired individuals and the surfers who volunteering,” said Larry Graff, cofounder of the event.

Bruce King of the Swamis Surfing Association, the other co-founder said “Its just a joy to see the look on their faces. As surfers we enjoy sharing our love for the sport, the ocean and living each moment …like riding a wave.”

Here is how it works: the individuals are outfitted with life vests, and then taken into the water along with 5 experienced surfers. We help the surfer lie on the board, only going about waist deep, and then push them into a wave. When the individual rides the wave towards the shore, there is a safety team lining the water around them at all time.

Graff says, “Above all, this experience proves that just because you are disabled doesn’t mean you are not able to do many great things, and we are proud to promote that through this event.”
This is an invitation only event, highly worth the print and television coverage as it occurs. The best time to record the event is 10:00 am.