A group of Down Syndrome and autistic kids had the ride of their lives when they went for surfing lessons at Muizenberg Beach.
The 30 youngsters from the Shumeez Scott Foundation for kids with special needs took part in a surfing experience offered by NexGen Surf.
Yani Trout, 41, from NexGen Surf, says: “It was a challenge getting them into wetsuits because it was our first time trying to handle individuals with special needs.
“We teamed one coach with each Down Syndrome person and we were blown away by their abilities.
“It was amazing to see them smile, the coaches were bursting with pride, they had chemistry immediately.
“I offered to be a long-term partner at no cost and will try to do this once every two months.
“Crazy experience, I’ll do it over again.
Picture: Supplied
“People come there and some people can’t even afford to learn, but at the end of the day, I know what surfing did for me, so I won’t jeopardise the next person’s opportunity.”
Bahia Janodien, from the Shumeez Scott Foundation, says the project was created to create awareness and upliftment for special needs persons, and to enable them to take part in activities.
SMILES: Coach with a joyful child. Picture: Supplied
“30 young adults with special needs out of the 32 members attended,” she says.
“We did surfing and they also part took in tou-trek and had interaction with the people on the beach.”
Bahia said 19-year-old Shumeez was overwhelmed, but very happy.
“Not just for herself but also for the rest of the young adults as she said ‘people think we cannot do it, mommy’, but we did and want to do it again,” she says.
Muizenberg Beach. Picture: Supplied
venecia.america@inl.co.za