Surfing Masterclass

Some kids with a vision impairment in New South Wales got a surfing masterclass from a record-breaking Paralympian.

Aussie beaches are pretty iconic. Waves, flags, and seagulls trying to eat your food. Oh, also surfers. Lot of surfers.

That's something eleven-year old Travis is keen to have a go at today along with a heap of other kids with visually impaired.

TRAVIS: I'm blind in this eye and I've had that for all my life and I'm kind of just used to it now.

In the past, he's found it pretty hard to get into sports.

TRAVIS: It does affect me sometimes in class I can't play games like footy because I wouldn't be able to tackle, because if somebody came at me this side my nose blocks my vision, so I wouldn't be able to see them.

That's why Vision Australia set up this surfing masterclass with one of Australia's best blind surfers, Matt Formston. He was diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy when he was five years old and has gone on to become a cycling Paralympian and world champ in adaptive surfing's blind category!

MATT FORMSTON: I think the aim of today is just to give them a taste for surfing and more importantly bring them together as a community. I think it's pretty easy to be isolated when there's anything different in your life let alone a disability. To get out of your comfort zone and to do that with some people that have similar challenges is something that the kids can take home and build from.

He reckons surfing is a great sport for visually impaired people because they can use their other senses to feel the waves and feed off the ocean.

MATT FORMSTON: For me I've been surfing since I was 5 years old and I've just learnt to feel the wave. And even paddling out the back you can hear the wave coming towards you, you can feel when the water sucks as the wave comes so I know when to duck dive. There's a lot of feel in the ocean, you can use other senses rather than just be reliant on sight.

And learning from the best has definitely helped Travis. While it's been challenging, he's says he's loving the surf!

TRAVIS: Everyone, even if they don't have a disability should be able to do something they want to do such as surfing and I wanted to give it a go!

Tyler's had a crack at this before.

TYLER: I can see things up close but I'm far away, not really. Well it's my second go it's fun I get to meet lots of new people and I hope I can do it again.

These guys have had a great time in the water and say it won't be their last time carving it up!

TYLER: It was pretty good. I was pretty happy when I got to stand up on the board. It's just like freedom and being in the ocean.

• Matthew Holbrook | Reporter
• About Matt: Matt Formston | weblink
• Blind Tennis: BTN | btn
• Blind Cricket: BTN | btn
• Surfing masterclass for children with visual impairment gives a sense of freedom: ABC News | source
• Australia:NSW | Map
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