29 January 2025

DSA is a volunteer-run organisation that enables people of all ages and abilities to take part in one of Australia’s most popular past-times, beach surfing! DSACC volunteers serve to provide a unique, safe, and happy surfing experience to a wide range of people with various disabilities, who would otherwise be unable to access the beach. In order to ensure safety, DSA has a very high volunteer to participant ratio, with a minimum of 6 to 1 up to as high as 30 to 1 for more challenging participants.

They only surf in broken waves, in waist depth water and volunteers help participants enjoy the experience that abled bodied people often take for granted.

The DSA was established in 1986 and currently has 19 branches across Australia and New Zealand. The association sets world’s best practice for the sport of Disabled Surfing.

The DSA creates opportunities for everyone, including disabled surfers and able-bodied volunteers, to experience unique, safe, and happy surfing events, whilst under complete supervision from our trained Team Leaders and Beach Marshalls. DSA training programs are award winning for Outstanding Achievement in implementing Safe Sport Practices and Minister’s awards for Most Significant Contribution to Water Safety by an Organisation.

Volunteering at an event consists of helping participants to and from the beach, assisting them in and out of the water and helping set up and clean up. Food is provided and smiles are always encouraged! Volunteers do not need to know how to surf although water skills are highly valued.

Form more information on DSA or to become a volunteer contact Rae Fiechter on 0415 866 485 or visit Disabled Surfers.

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