Aloha Kākou Shaka makes waves at end of first surf season

As our first surf season comes to an end, we feel proud of Aiden and what he has achieved with his surf club, Aloha Kākou Shaka.

We believe it’s the world’s first surf club designed for and led by people with learning disabilities and / or neurodivergence.

We also want to say a big thank you to Sport England’s Movement Fund for the funding that made it possible.

With their support, we ran adapted surf sessions for people with learning disabilities and or neurodivergence.

Running from April to October, Aiden, who is autistic with a PDA profile and has a learning disability, severe dyslexia, and cystic fibrosis, oversaw every session to make sure it was carefully planned around each participant’s needs.

As one of the lead surf coaches, he was supported by trained instructors and experienced volunteers, so everyone felt safe and included.

The funding helped us provide the right equipment, including adaptive surfboards and wetsuits.

In total, 100 young people took to the water, many of whom would not usually have access to sport.

Tariq El-Sawad, one of the season’s lead surf coaches, said:

“The experience proved transformative for so many. One young person who was too anxious to wear a wetsuit or go in the sea at first was surfing by the end. Another needed time on the beach to build trust before joining sessions in the water. The smile on his face when he did was something I wish I could bottle.”

But the social side was just as important.

Vicky Coxhead, founder of NeuroHappiness, said:

“Feedback at the end of the season was humbling. Participants told us they felt part of something, and for many it was the best part of their week. One of the main highlights was the BBQs at the end of each four week group, where everyone shared stories, laughed, and celebrated together.”

Thanks to Sport England’s Movement Fund, as well as kind support from Wavehunters, The Bolingey Barbarians, and Alderton Associates, this project has shown that with the right support and the right environment, surfing can be for everyone.

It has brought families together, created a more inclusive space in our community, and shown that there is real demand for this kind of programme.

We hope this is just the beginning.