Wesley keen to ride adaptive surfing wave as SA assistant coach

Amanzimtoti surfer, Wesley Smith is ‘stoked’ to have been selected for the SA adaptive surfing team as assistant coach.

The team will compete in the world champs being held in San Diego from 29 November to 2 December.

The 29-year-old, whose son Reece is a paraplegic, has been involved in adaptive surfing for about four years.

“My son goes to the open air school (for special needs) and I offered to take two blind children for surfing sessions. It grew to other children with various disabilities joining. Unknown to me, Dries Millard was also pioneering adaptive surfing in Cape Town. We made contact via Chip Williams of Widenham, and the national movement has been growing ever since,” said Wesley.

READ ALSO: Disabled set to ride the waves 

Adaptive surfing takes place on most Sunday mornings at Addington Beach, depending on conditions.

Since December 2015 Wesley and Toti Main Beach superintendent, Jayce Govender have offered disabled beachgoers the chance to take a dip in the waves, thanks to an unique 4×4 wheelchair which Jayce procured.

Wesley introduced adaptive surfing at the beach that month and adaptive fishing the following April.

READ ALSO: Toti effort to adapt the world of disabled people

As Adaptive Surfing South Africa does not have the funds this year to pay for tickets, Wesley has to raise R40,000 before mid-November. This is a young man who constantly goes out of his way to help others selflessly, and now he needs the community’s help.

If you can help, call him on 082-802-1349, or email wezsmith1@gmail.com.