Four-year-old Finn Reynolds of Kangaroo Valley riding his first wave with Disabled Surfers Association of Australia president Ian Picton on Sunday. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
THE aim of the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia is to put smiles on dials, but on Sunday at Gerroa they did much more than that.
Take four-year-old Finn Reynolds for example, who hit the Seven Mile Beach surf for the first time at the annual event.
Finn has severe cerebral palsy and weighs just 10.5 kilograms. He was born prematurely at 27 weeks.
Wearing his new "cool surfer dude" size-two steamer, Finn braved some large waves and strong winds at Gerroa with the help of DSAA volunteers.
Finn's father Nick described the day as "an extremely emotional experience".
"He's always loved the water . . . to see the look on his face was fantastic."
The DSAA event is in its 12th year, and on Sunday an army of more than 140 volunteers assisted about 40 adults and children take to the water, with the help of a fleet of mobility sand cruisers.
Finn's mother Tracey said he still wanted to do everything his three older siblings did, but his body often prevented it.
He is, however, a regular swimmer in his home town pool in Kangaroo Valley.
"It is just amazing to see so many people take time out to volunteer and make these kids and adults realise they can do anything," she said.
"Today was priceless . . . it was awe-inspiring to be a part of."
Disabled Surfers Association spokesman Jim Bradley thanked everyone who helped make the day such a rewarding experience.
"A great day under the most trying of conditions but all done with safety.
"Isn't it well overdue for state and federal levels of government to officially recognise our 15 branches . . . who adopt world's best practice standard for taking the full spectrum of disabled for a surfing experience."
There were 63 participants, 54 parents/carers and 132 volunteers registered on the sign-in sheets.