Aquatic Development Group (ADG) have announced their recent collaboration with a team of expert disability advocates to evaluate the wave’s inclusivity, accessibility, and potentially therapeutic benefits for all abilities.
EpicSurf teamed up with Justin Speegle, a Rhode Island surfer and retired Air Force Colonel who sits on the board of directors for non-profit, AMPSurf. AMPSurf’s mission is to share the joy and therapeutic effects of adaptive surfing with veterans, and adults and children living with a range of disabilities. For this event, EpicSurf welcomed adaptive surfing instructors, volunteers, and advisory board members.
“As an adaptive surfing instructor, I found that EpicSurf creates a consistent medium that lends itself to surfing therapy. Not having to deal with tides, winds, and swells would make managing a surfing therapy session easier,” said Justin Speegle, Surfer, Veteran, AMPSurf Board Member.”
Meanwhile, Michele Ferrauilo, Albany, NY Veterans Affairs, Director of Adaptive Sports commented: “EpicSurf is great for individuals that do not live near water. Especially, for individuals who fear the ocean, giving them an opportunity to surf in a controlled setting with support. There is potential to adapt to individuals with disabilities, both physical and mental health diagnosis.”
The event was also joined by Christiaan “Otter” Bailey, a highly decorated adaptive surfing champion, Captain of the USA Surfing Team, multi-seat board member including USA Surfing and International Surfing Association Para-Surfing, and to date, the only adaptive surfer to charge Mavericks and Pipeline.
This experienced collective of ocean surfers, many retired veterans with invisible wounds, assessed the entire EpicSurf experience through the lens of the adaptive surfer, testing every possible wave riding scenario. The experts experimented with a variety of surfboards, body boards, adaptive boards – they role-played wipeouts, analysed surfaces, construction materials, water conditions and velocity, pool entrances and exits – examining every possible adaptive situation.
