Alyson Roth on a surfboard after just riding a wave. Hang ten!Alyson had an amazing day with the "Life Rolls On" organization at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, CA on Sunday. This organization provides a way for those with disabilities to get back into the water and surf again. Alyson joined the organization in 2007 after a coworker introduced her and was hooked ever since. What an amazing day!
A film crew came down from Los Angeles to shoot the entire day and everything that happened. Adaptive sports are accessible to so many people these days, and it's a great way for newly injured people (or those who are veterans) to become active in sports.
First, Alyson is put into a beach wheelchair (above) and rolled out to the surf. A beach wheelchair has extra big tires to be easily pushed through the sand by another person. They are available for free at most public beaches.
She was able to stop and talk to a few volunteers while on her way out into the ocean. "Life Rolls On" has an amazing support of volunteers and assistants to help in any way possible. Safety comes first with these people, and they are there in a split second if you need them.
While waiting to head into the ocean, Alyson had the opportunity to sit in the sand and talk with one of the volunteers about his job and participation with "Life Rolls On." Over 30 participants were able to go into the ocean this day, with each able to catch about 4 waves during their turn.
The water crew carry Alyson out into the ocean to the surfboard. Including the camera crew, there were probably 20 people in the water with her helping out! Each surfboard is adapted with a handle, however there are about three people helping to bring each participate out into the surf. One is designated as the Lead and is in charge of steering the surfboard out correctly and spotting the wave. Another is in charge of holding her on the surfboard until time to release her, and the other person is in charge of kicking from behind when initially going out.
Once out into the ocean, the Lead spots an upcoming wave and tells Alyson to get ready! Alyson holds on, and within seconds, the wave picks her up and pushes her forward in the water. She describes the moment as "exhilarating" as she "feels this type of freedom in the water once again"!
Thank you "Life Rolls On" for a fantastic weekend for our Ms. Wheelchair California! You are providing amazing opportunities for so many men and woman who use a wheelchair to know that life does go on!
For more information on "Life Rolls On" and to see when they'll be in a city near you, please visit them at http://www.liferollson.org/.
Hi Alyson,
ReplyDeleteI hope you had an awesome day surfing....I know I did. It was great getting a chance to meet you when you came out of the water (and before I went in). Hope our paths cross again someday!
Amanda,
Fellow LRO Surfer