Stepping outside one's comfort zone doesn't always involve extreme adventures or thrill-seeking activities. Sometimes, the most transformative experiences come from simple acts of service, as discovered by a journalist who recently joined the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia for a remarkable morning at Mollymook beach.
The Power of Community Volunteering
On a recent Saturday morning, 150 volunteers gathered at the picturesque Mollymook beach, transforming the shoreline into a hub of inclusivity and joy. These everyday people from all walks of life came together with a shared purpose: to help the Disabled Surfers Association make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
The organization, which was established back in 1986 by disability advocate Gary Blaschke, emerged from personal tragedy. After suffering a life-altering motorcycle accident that left him unable to return to his beloved ocean activities, Blaschke founded the association to ensure others wouldn't face similar barriers to experiencing the joy of surfing.
Today, the Disabled Surfers Association boasts nearly 20 active branches across Australia and New Zealand, with the Mollymook event marking the first time the organization has brought its unique brand of ocean therapy to this particular South Coast location.
Life-Changing Moments in the Waves
The day brought together 50 enthusiastic surfers, many of whom had never touched a surfboard, let alone experienced the thrill of riding a wave. The volunteers' mission was clear: change that reality for every participant.
Volunteers organized themselves into groups of approximately 30 people, with each team responsible for one surfboard and five to six eager surfers. The process required immense trust from participants, many of whom initially felt nervous about putting their safety in the hands of strangers in the potentially daunting ocean environment.
The system proved both effective and heartwarming. Seven sets of hands would carefully guide one surfer out on the board at a time. Volunteers jumped, lifted, and occasionally got wiped out by waves in the process, but every salty mouthful of water and every dreadfully knotted hair tangle was considered well worth the effort.
Once sufficiently far from shore, one volunteer would join the surfer on the board for the exhilarating ride back to the beach. The progression of confidence among participants was palpable - some surfers began cautiously sitting, others dared to get onto one or both knees, and one remarkable participant named Summer even managed to stand up on the board.
Inspiring Individuals and Unforgettable Stories
Among the many inspiring participants, one surfer stood out for his fearless enthusiasm. Dave, who quickly earned the nickname 'Big Wave Dave' among volunteers, approached the experience with unmatched confidence.
He boarded without so much as a backward glance toward the sand and consistently signaled volunteers to take him further out from shore. Dave was determined to catch the biggest wave of the day, and his unwavering confidence in the water helped break down initial fears among other group members, including Ryan, Summer, and Rebecca.
Watching this transformation unfold proved incredibly rewarding for volunteers, demonstrating how one person's courage can inspire an entire group.
Rediscovering the Joy of Giving Back
For many volunteers, including the journalist documenting the experience, the opportunity emerged through personal connections. A simple conversation with a friend who had previously volunteered with the Disabled Surfers Association led to participation.
The decision to volunteer came easily, though the specifics of what the day would entail remained unknown beforehand. This experience highlighted how challenging it can feel for adults to find meaningful, in-person ways to give back to their communities, despite genuine desires to contribute.
The organization's mission remains beautifully simple: provide equal opportunity to people with disabilities, no matter what it takes. The Mollymook event demonstrated this commitment in action, creating spaces where ability takes center stage and disability retreats to the background.
For those inspired by this story, the South Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association has announced its next event will take place at Thirroul on Saturday, November 29. Prospective volunteers should know that surfing experience isn't necessary - just bring a swimsuit and the desire to participate in something genuinely fun, different, and inspiring.
As the waves continue to roll onto Mollymook beach, the ripples of this extraordinary day continue to spread through the community, proving that sometimes the most rewarding adventures await not in seeking thrills, but in helping others discover them.
