Breaking the Barrier
Breaking the Barrier was inaugurated in September 2007, as an event to benefit autistic children and their families by teaching them how to surf. Special techniques to teach surfing to autistic and disabled children were devised in the States some years ago, but unfortunately had not made their way to Britain. We invited some specialist American surfing instructors -- Surf2Live's Elliot Zuckerman and his team -- to come to Devon not only to teach children, but to share their skills with UK surfing instructors. They were more than happy to help us.
Our first Breaking the Barrier event was an eruption of joy, excitement and enthusiasm all over the beach, not to mention providing some incredibly emotional moments for everyone lucky enough to share the day. Somehow surfing enabled these usually remote children to connect and become responsive. The photos in our photo gallery are tangible evidence of how many magical, not to mention confidence-building moments over 100 children with autism experienced on that day. Next year, we wish for the same result for as many if not more children.
Breaking the Barrier 2008 will take place at Bigbury-on-Sea, near Kingsbridge in Devon on Saturday, 13th September. It will be an all day event, providing lunch and an after-surf barbecue to all participants. It will be magic!
If you know of a child with autism or learning disabilities that would like to participate, please contact Lis Leader on 01803 840744 or by e-mail to lisleader@lifeworks-uk.org.
