New initiative launched to make the ocean more accessible to people

A new initiative has been launched in Newquay to make the ocean more accessible to people.

The Positive Waves Surf For Self-Worth programme, in partnership with Newquay Activity Centre in Fore Street, provides supervised swimming, bodyboarding and surfing lessons to people in Newquay who need it most.

The initiative aims to enable people who would otherwise not be able to enjoy the ocean due to physical limitations, social barriers or psychological barriers to do so.

Positive Waves and Newquay Activity Centre are offering free bodyboarding and surfing lessons to locals throughout June to promote personal wellbeing and help participants build their confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

Rebecca Mantle, founder of Positive Waves, said: “Our experience is that most people get energy from spending time in the ocean. This can have a positive impact on our wellbeing, bring an element of buoyancy to our lives and help us rise above some of our problems.

“For anyone who is generally feeling down or overwhelmed at work, struggling with anxiety, recovering from addiction, overcoming trauma, or dealing with health issues or disabilities, spending time in the ocean can change our lives for the better.

“We have entered into a partnership with Newquay Activity Centre, who share the same belief and want to support the local community and make this happen.

“Our mission is to help people find a way to access and engage with the ocean at whatever level feels right for them. Through supportive ocean sessions, we focus on building confidence and guiding people as they discover what they intuitively want to do in the water, whether it’s swimming, bodyboarding or surfing.

“There is much to be gained from a gradual, supportive learning path, taking time to become independent and, most importantly, having fun in the ocean environment.”

Newquay Activity Centre has provided financial support to Positive Waves and has also provided the centre’s equipment and facilities.

The centre’s director, Rob Barber, said: “It is very satisfying for us to be able to give something back to the community and support this great initiative.

“The reactions were fantastic and it was wonderful to see how the customer responded to this.

“Our team has been working hard to raise money for the initiative through fun auctions. As a company, it is very valuable to support this financially and with resources.

“We look forward to building on this further in the future.”

Beth Mitchell, who took part in a free session, said: “I haven’t stood on a surfboard for years due to injuries.

“Before the sessions I felt anxious and lost all my self-confidence.

“The sessions were the best thing ever. To be honest I never thought I would ever be on a board again but Bex and her team are amazing.

“They created a safe environment, provided lots of encouragement and reassurance, made the experience fun and I’m happy to say my confidence has improved immensely as a result.

“I hope I can continue to build my confidence and surfing skills and get into the water more often.”

Sal Steeple added: “A group of amazing women of all ages, many of us in our 50s and over with varying levels of confidence in the ocean, and all fitness levels, came together at Newquay Activity Centre to gain confidence in ourselves, what our bodies can do and to better understand and respect the ocean.

“What a fun, bonding and tiring experience it was as we jumped, moved and sometimes threw ourselves on or near a plank.

“We all gained confidence, self-esteem and shared our love and respect for the sea as we travelled through it. Thanks to the brilliant team who made us feel like we could do anything.”

Rebecca added: “It’s a sad reality that many people think it’s too late to learn to surf and that their ship has sunk.

“We see this hesitation especially among women. It is never too late to discover the joys of the ocean. This June, most of our students are women in their 50s and 60s. It is their time to shine and they are loving it.”

The value of Positive Waves and the need for these sessions locally has been recognised by leading figures in the Newquay outdoor industry and is fully supported by global female surfing collective Women + Waves and Newquay Activity Centre.

Rebecca said: “It’s incredible that these local organisations are supporting Positive Waves. They are also kind enough to let Positive Waves use their facilities as a base and they also provide equipment to run the sessions. Their support is so much appreciated.”

The next Positive Waves sessions will be held in September. For more information or to register to attend the sessions, visit www.positivewaves.org.uk