SATURDAY, September 12 saw another surf session for the less able at Widemouth Bay with Active8 using the resources of Outdoor Adventure.

The group of 10 guys with their carers from ScopeLNC got changed into wetsuits at the centre. The group was late getting to the beach as one mini-bus failed to start, but once there, with the help of RNLI Lifeguards and their 4x4, the group made it onto the beach.

The weather was bright sunshine and only slight offshore breeze. The surf was small but fairly clean and ideal for teaching this group. After pairing the guys up with volunteer helpers, mostly from Bude Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), they had a general coaching and safety talk from Outdoor Adventure instructors Andy and Caz.

In the water, with the ample help (14 volunteers), everyone got a ride. The expressions on some of the young peoples faces were fantastic and it soon became evident everyone was enjoying themselves. The question was who had the most fun, Active8 guys or helpers? It was a difficult decision.

Kev Hogarth said: "The expressions of delight from Alex riding his first waves could only be matched by Matt standing up and cutting a line all the way to the beach. Only two of the young people I personally witnessed that afternoon who were so stoked!"

Clive Symm was on hand to photograph the event on behalf of Bude Surf Outreach Group (BSOG) and took over 600 pictures. It is hoped that these will appear on his website http://www.Symages.co.uk">www.Symages.co.uk in the near future.

After over an hour in the water some of the young people were very tired and cold too, so the group left the water to return to Outdoor Adventure and get showered and changed. When everyone was ready, a (large) table had been booked at the Bay View Inn for their evening meal before returning to Delaware Outdoor Centre, where the group are accommodated on their weekends away.

Over dinner the group discussed their successes and 'wipeouts,' which were few. When asked if they would like to do it again next year, they replied 'Can we do again next month! '

Kev added: "Without the help of volunteers, qualified in beach safety and giving up their time it would not be possible. But thankfully they do and a great thanks go to them for their assistance that day from the group."

They were Steve Munday, Clair Roberts, Bryony Ballard, Tristan Cann, Marcus Stone, Sabine Maclean-Thorne, Mark Ward, Graeme Anderton (SLSC Captain), Sarah Renels, Mike Morley, Kirsti Davies and Kevin Hogarth (organiser). They were assisted by Kerry and Emma from ScopeLNC and Liz Olive and Josey Spencer who manages the Active8 group.

Anyone interested in supporting the group or knowing more about them look for http://www.active8.org">www.active8.org.

BSOG are still selling there 2010 calendar, which is available in shops or from the secretary on 07960 581068 — this funds both the surf competition in May and the surfing sessions for less able.