Parafed Waikato members hit the waves for their recent annual adaptive surfing day, with dozens of Waihī Beach residents helping out.

The event was led by Waihī Beach Surf School.

Thirty residents and bach owners along with the surf school helped 17 surfers with different disabilities during the January 18 event.

Lucas Pedersen from Parafed with Aiden Comrie, Waihi Beach Surf School. Photo: Ben Haarmann

Parafed Waikato is about promoting and providing sport and recreation for people with physical disabilities and visual impairments. The adaptive surfing day is a favourite event on the calendar.

One of the participants was Rylee Sayer, 16, who lost an arm 18 months ago. She spent all her time in the water, determined to stand up and push herself up with one arm.

Waihī Beach volunteer Dani Hudson, 14, said Rylee had “no quit in her”.

“She was so determined, and it made me so happy to see her progress across the day. I had a great time and it felt like she did, too.”

Parafed Sport development officer Cathy Wooller said they loved Waihī Beach for their surfing day.

“It’s not just due to the mats and beach wheelchairs, but also the people and the community. The support we receive from Waihī Beach Surf School and Live Well Waihī Beach is fantastic and the amount of volunteers that show up full of energy is just priceless.”

Matty Bauernfeind from Parafed and some volunteers. Photo: Ben Haarmann

Live Well Waihī Beach manages the beach mats and wheelchairs and put the call out for volunteers.

The response has grown every year, Live Well Waihī Beach community coordinator Cindy Clare said.

“This event is so beneficial for our community. The inspiration we, as volunteers, get from meeting the Parafed members and seeing what is possible against all physical barriers is incredible. And it brings our volunteer community together with positivity.”

This event was a win-win for both Parafed and Waihī Beach, she said.

Volunteers and Parafed members. Photo: Ben Haarmann