Adaptive Surfing with The Wave Project.

Inclusive surfing. Special memories.

Our recent visit to The Wave Project in Croyde, North Devon, was one of those occasions that stays with you long after you’ve left the beach.

A Warm Welcome and Expert Leadership

We were greeted by Ian Bennett, Head of Adaptive Surfing, whose calm expertise and genuine warmth set the tone for the whole session. Adaptive surfing is far more than “surfing with adjustments”; it’s a carefully designed practice that blends safety, psychology, physical support and trust. Ian and his team make it look effortless , which is usually the clearest sign of real skill.

Florence in Her Element

We were invited by Florence’s family to see Florence take to the water, her favourite pastime. She and her mum, Hazel, spent well over an hour and a half in the sea, although Florence could no doubt have stayed in the water for even longer; she was absolutely  in her element.

For Hazel, the experience is just as meaningful. Seeing her daughter so confident and joyful brings its own sense of wellbeing. And the ripple effect extends further still: Florence’s grandparents watched proudly from the shoreline, sharing in the experience. Adaptive surfing doesn’t just support one young person; it lifts the whole family.

Strongly evident throughout our visit was the innovation woven into every aspect of the session. Adaptive equipment, tailored coaching, thoughtful risk management and a culture that puts dignity and agency first, all blending to create environment where young people can genuinely thrive; their aim is always to say yes if they can. The Wave isn’t about “making do”; it’s about designing experiences that are every bit as exciting, challenging and rewarding as mainstream sport.

Ian also shared the team’s aspirations to expand adaptive surfing further within The Wave Project. Their vision is ambitious but grounded: more young people supported, more volunteers trained, more beaches equipped, and more families able to see their children experience the freedom of the sea. It’s the kind of growth that doesn’t just scale a programme, it scales possibility.

A Lasting Impression

Visits like this give our trustees a privileged insight into the charities we support, allowing us to see at first-hand the real-world impact behind the governance papers and funding decisions. They remind us that innovation isn’t always found in labs or boardrooms; sometimes it’s on a windswept beach in North Devon, where a young person catches a wave and, for a moment, feels entirely unstoppable.

The Wave Project team are doing something special and it was a privilege to witness it in action.

Find out more about Addaptive Surfing:  The Wave Project