Disabled Surfers Association Australia

Submitted by
Name: gabriel bouris
From: melbourne
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
hi guys. i just attended the ocean grove session march 25th and i was blown away not only by the reality that i was trying to go surfing, but mostly by the amazing atmosphere, created by being surrounded by so many wonderful volunteers who's effort was to support me out there. I had an awesome time, and that morning I was able to just forget about my troubles and enjoy life in the moment. I look forward to the next day out. A HUGE THANKYOU to everyone at DSA.
:!cool:

Added: March 26, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Kirstin Campbell
From: Interchange WA
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Attended the DSA event @ Leighton Beach WA with 5 of our clients for the second year in a row... And what an awesome day everyone had. A massive thanks to all involved and to the huge turn out of volunteers! The smiles that you guys put on the faces of all the participants is priceless and so special! Cheers!

Added: March 17, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Gary E.Rothery
From: North Ryde,NSW
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
My name is Gary and I have a spinal cord injury.On the 26th february 2011 my daughter surprised me with a birthday present,a day with your group at Collaroy Beach.Not having been able to enjoy surfing for over 40 odd years I was absolutely blown away.So Lesley-Karen,my future to be son in law Ross,who assisted me and to all your dedicated volunteers my sincere thanks,as Arnie said "I'll be back".,see you all in 2012,cheers,Gary.2

Added: June 18, 2011

Submitted by
Name: David Baty
From: Ballina, NSW
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Hi
I attended the Disabled surfing day at Clarks beach, Bryon Bay on thr !6th April 2011, with 3 of the disability clients I work with in Burnet Street Group Home in Ballina.It was there first time surfing and we all had a fantastic day and we will definitely be back again.James, Jemma, and Alex had a great time in the surf and the BBQ after and also the great awards given to them.
Every one there made us all so welcome, so thank you so much.

David

Added: May 6, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Anuya Pai
From: South Australia
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
attended the "LETS GO SURFING DAY'' at Moana on 3rd April 2011 and I wanted to thank you. I had never surfed before Sunday, but one of my aspirations was to do this and I loved it even more than I thought I would. The feeling of riding the waves and being showered by water was just fantastic. The work you do is absolutely amazing and I don't think I will ever be able to express to all of you just how grateful I am, especially everyone who helped me in the water. You were so encouraging and made me feel completely at ease. My father, who accompanied me on the day, sends his heartfelt gratitude to you all. We enjoyed the hot dogs as well and my ''Best Surfer'' award is something that I will treasure always. I'll definitely be back again and only wish that I could surf every day!

Thank you very much once again.
Best wishes,
Anuya

Added: April 6, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Mandy Pilgrim
From: Sydney
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
hi there. I am just back from a day at the beach with the DSA .... Collaroy Beach on the 26th feb 2011.
I was there last year with the Northern Beaches Interchange and made sure I was rostered on to volunteer again this year.
Thanks so much for a wonderful day which made my heart sing and brought joy and smiles to all our youngsters.
You guys are awesome and long may you continue to be so!
Two of our severely disabled kids got to enjoy surfing and they were so happy it brought me to tears.
So lovely for them to enjoy doing something different and to experience what is like to be in the ocean in the waves with all the excitement etc.

The organisation of todays event was outstanding . Thanks so much.
Mandy Pilgrim

Added: February 27, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Manly Community Access Service Cerebral Palsy Alliance
From: Manly NSW
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
Hi there,

I just wanted to THANKYOU THANKYOU so much for everything TODAY at the beach with the disabled members. They had a blast. Thankyou so much for making their day and for giving up your time for these precious individuals.
Please THANK every single one of your staff, they were all awesome.

From Tanya Malone
( Manly Community Access Service Cerebral Palsy Alliance)

Added: February 27, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Harro
From: Hunter Region
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
My name is Mark (Harro) and on Saturday 18th I had the honour of helping the DSA Hunter Region with there event at Blacksmith Beach which was a perfect day the sun was shining and the surf gods were ver kind to us it was was great event. I have been surfing for so long I have forgoten when I started I think it was 35 to 37 year ago.
and I have had so many memerable moments in that time and on Saturday it was one of those moments to be able to give a bit to the sport I love and to give joy and laughter to the surfers of the DSA .
To see smiles and laughter as I seen on that day by all was truely amazing I walked of the beach feeling good in myself knowing that I had helped to make someones day special.
Thanks to all at the Hunter Region DSA.
Harro.
P.S can't wait for the next event. :!cool:

Added: November 21, 2010

Submitted by
Name: Gary Blaschke
From: Lake Munmorah
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
I read your comments and kind words on what the DSA family do for you and your families, yet we are the ones who are so greatful for letting us into your lives.

I have made so many friends and seen so many smile on dials, it makes me so happy to be able to do what we do get further inspired every day after 25 years.

Surfers helping Surfers...
Gary Blaschke
DSA Founder and National President :p :p

Added: November 18, 2010

Submitted by
Name: Craig
From: Sydney
E-mail: Contact

Comments:
This is just a note of thanks for your fantastic work.
My brother Grant was always a mad keen surfer from his teen years. He was also a supporter/member of DSA, though never acted as a volunteer. He just reckoned everyone needed to enjoy the surf.
At the age of 37, after a horrific battle with a brain tumour (6 months intensive care, 21 operations, 60 hours under anaesthetic, died 3 times, 3 months rehab), he ended up in a wheelchair with a remote ‘possibility’ he might be able to walk.
His driver to push himself to survive were his kids, aged 7 and 4. His push to walk again was so he could surf again. Indeed, his mates bought him a brand new surfboard and put it at the end of his bed, as a reminder of what he was aiming for. (He knew he would never standup surf again…that was hard for him….but he wanted to get back out there).
After nearly 9 months not getting out of his bed, the physio and I snuck him out ……to your DSA event at Collaroy (where he grew up actually). He was so stoked. I honestly cannot describe how much joy that gave him, I really can’t.
He said, “I’ve been a member of DSA for so long, I never pictured I would be on he other side of the fence. Next year, not only do I want to be in the water; I want to be helping others at this DSA day”.
We got him a buoyancy wetsuit and started planning how we would get him back into the water.
Sadly, after a traumatic turn of events, Grant died in August this year. While he did not get back into the surf, we will be scattering some of his ashes out there.
You guys do great work. I realise you know what joy it brings to people, but let me remind you again - keep it up !
Thanks Craig
PS will be sending in my renewal form this week, would like to be a volunteer at your next Collaroy event (March isn’t it?).

Added: November 10, 2010