Aquatic Development Group (ADG), a leading water park and recreational design, construction, and manufacturing firm, has announced its latest collaboration with a team of expert disability advocates to enhance access to water products.
The manufacturer of EpicSurf, a true deep-water, stationary surfing wave product, was able to evaluate the wave’s inclusivity, accessibility, and potential therapeutic benefits for individuals of varying abilities.
EpicSurf partnered with Rhode Island surfer Justin Speegle, a retired Air Force Colonel who is also a director for AMPSurf. The non-profit’s mission is to share the joy and healing effects of adaptive surfing with adults and children living with disabilities.
EpicSurf embraced adaptive surfing instructors, volunteers, and advisory board members at the event, alongside US Veterans Affairs professionals, physical therapists, life coaches, and a group of enthusiastic participants.
“As an adaptive surfing instructor, I found that EpicSurf creates a consistent medium that lends itself to surfing therapy,” says Speegle. “Not having to deal with tides, winds, and swells would make managing a surfing therapy session easier,”
“The proximity of coaches and spectators to the riders makes verbal communication while riding possible. The set-up lends itself well to group therapy and team building in the sense that everyone is cheering on the rider. The surfer bond is one of the things that makes ocean surfing therapy successful but even when a group goes surfing together, the ride experience is not easily shared. This completely changes that.”
“A powerful opportunity”
The unique event was also joined by Christiaan “Otter” Bailey, an adaptive professional surfing champion and captain of the USA Surfing Team.
Michele Ferrauilo, director of adaptive sports for NY Veterans Affairs says: “EpicSurf is great for individuals that do not live near water, especially for individuals who fear the ocean, giving them an opportunity to surf in a controlled setting with support. There is potential to adapt to individuals with disabilities, both physical and mental health diagnosis.”
AMPSurf board member and physical therapist Randi Woodrow adds: “I see a lot of potential for this to be used not only as a recreational tool but also as an adjunct to a variety of rehabilitation therapies – and a great day riding the wave for almost anyone!”
Once accessibility trials were concluded, participants from Lifesong, an Albany-based day habilitation program, joined the session. The organisation provides continuing support to adults with special needs to help enable success in the community.
Lifeson Inc.’s director of day services Scott W. Hamilton adds: “The ladies cannot stop talking about it… actually, we are all talking about it quite a bit! It’s such a fun and powerful opportunity. The people we support would benefit from opportunities like this. Not only would it be a blast, but for them to be able to say, ‘I’ve tried surfing!’ pushes the envelope of what they thought was possible. The growing opportunities are endless.”
Aquatic Development Group recently helped a Californian leisure operator to revive a former water park, now home to a range of exciting new attractions and family favourites.
