Travis McCoy has been riding the waves up and down the East Coast since he can remember, and he's always been a huge advocate for surfing as a form of therapy for everyone.

The veteran surfer and owner of South Pacific Surf School in Mount Maunganui truly believes that anyone and everyone can benefit from a solid dose of 'Vitamin Sea” and the sense of empowerment that comes with riding a wave.

Travis and his instructors at South Pacific Surf School have been offering their services to a host of special needs students at Te Puke High School.

He says the difference he has seen in them is phenomenal.
'It's so unreal to watch these kids grow and become comfortable with being on a board in the water.

'It's so outside most of their comfort zones, but they really love it. And we love seeing how their faces light up when they catch a wave or learn a new skill, it's just the best feeling.”

Te Puke High School teacher Dave Valentine agrees with Travis.

'Our kids have a variety of intellectual and physical disabilities, but they all find a sense of solace in the ocean and youth Pacific Surf provide them with this and so much more every week.

'Not everyone is able to connect with our special needs kids in the way that Travis does and they just adore him.

'The parents of these students were all really supportive of their young ones getting this opportunity as so many sporting options just aren't available for them.”

The Te Puke High School students were saddened to see the 2022 school year finish as they'd grown to look forward to their weekly surf sessions, but are really looking forward to starting up again in Term One 2023 and improving the skills they've developed.

South Pacific Surf School operate classes daily from Mt Maunganui during the summer, for everyone from six-year-old beginners to 80-year-old beginners.

Travis believes no one is ever too old to reap the benefits that surfing has to offer.