DS1 went surfing today!

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

It was part of an annual event called Breaking the Barrier. Special 'double' surfboards are used that he could stand on along with an instructor.

It was BRILLIANT. His slot was at 9.15 - the instructor plus a helper with lots of experience of learning disabilities. The beach was full of kids with autism and LD's. DS1 loved it- I wasn't sure he would do it (in fact I was about 80% convinced he wouldn't) because he doesn't really know what surfing is (well he does now), and it can be a bit hit and miss getting him into the sea. He didn't even mind the white out. And the instructor was great just yanked him out and plonked him back on the board.

We brought him in after half an hour. He was freezing, but did not want to come in, kept pointing back out to sea.

It's probably still going on down there. Funny story. As we were leaving some late teenage girls arrived, all kitted out carrying surfboards. They saw all the flags and tents and said "oh wow oh wow there's a surfing competition , ow wow brilliant" and they started trying to look cool and hot. I was thinking oh my goodness you are going to be so disappointed when you get closer!

I'll add some photos tonight.

[anonandlikeit]

Fantastic, so its a Surfboard for Xmas then.

[geekgirl]

sounds fantastic! Had to LOL about those hopeful girls!

Will it be a surfing obsession next? Do we have to email you pictures of any bodyboards stashed away in the loft?

[Soapbox]

That sounds fab JJ - how lovely it must have been to be on the beach with people that weren't gawping for a change - well at least until the hotties arrived

[silverfrog]

that's brilliant

[TotalChaos]

great! glad he could access something that was so great for him.

[Saturn74]

fab!

[cyberseraphim]

That's fantastic - I find it is easy to get into the mindset that DS1 will never like/do x y or z but when you actually introduce it to him, he can surprise me.

[binkythebullet]

That sounds brilliant fun. Is it something he'll be able to do again?

LOL at the 'hotgirls' getting their expectations up.

[sphil]

Oh wow - how fantastic! Can't wait to see the photos

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

This should be OK. I think I've removed any photos where other children might be recognisable. There are quite a few photos

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

He was really cold at the end (shivering)- hence the slightly stunned look

[binkythebullet]

wow - I'm so impressed, standing up and everything

It looks as though he loved it

[LollipopViolet]

Wooo! That looks so much fun! I'd love to try surfing, but I've got horrible balance so I'd be very wet, very fast. Glad he had fun.

[coppertop]

The photos are fantastic. Ds1 looks as though he's having the time of his life.

LOL at the disappointed teenage girls.

[twocutedarlings]

Wow!! fantastic!! he looks like he loved it, was it just a one off or will it be a regular thing?

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

It's an annual event. Although apparently one of the surf schools that was involved will take the children out for a discounted rate, using instructors who have been involved in this event. I'm going to find out more about that, I have a helper who is willing to come along.

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

Next year I'll take ds2 and ds3 along as well together with dh. We thought that ds1 might kick off today and refuse or scream a lot so I went by myself with a helper. Next year I'll try to make it more of family event.

I can't tell you how nice it was to be on a beach full of kids with learning disabilities and flapping, and shrieking (with laughter in the main). It was such a lovely atmosphere.

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

here's information for anyone interested. The good thing about this event is that Lifeworks work day in day out with children and adults with learning disabilities, so they know exactly what is needed and understand the issues etc.

[anonandlikeit]

Wow what fantastic photos & what a Gorgeous boy!
You know he will want to grow his hair now he's a surfer.

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

If they didn't cut his hair at school it would be long (His brothers have quite long hair). (Hair cuts at school one of the great things about his school....!)

[Seuss]

Wow that's great! My ds really wants to go surfing and we were wondering how to go about it. Do they have to pass any swimming test?

[sphil]

Great photos - made me go a bit teary . The computer was passed around the whole family, including my parents who were here earlier. My Dad peered at the screen saying ' Is that the young lad we met at Easter?' Given that he hardly ever recognises anyone (even old friends of mine he's met loads of times) your DS1 must have made quite an impression .

Made me miss Bigbury too!

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

No swimming test Seuss. Bigbury is a shallow beach though.

I was a bit teary too sphil. Aww and sweet of your dad xx

[stillsuchamess]

fabulous, thanks for sharing. I remember your thread ages ago about activity- looks like you might have found one that fits!
He's a beautiful boy

[jimjamshaslefttheyurt]

oh yes I remember that thread. We've found a few since then. Moor walking and climbing too. He has come on a lot in the last year. This time last year we'd just been able to start moor walking. I don't think he would have managed climbing or surfing.

It's always good to remember how things change for the better.