Surfing was high on the agenda this year with two introduction to surfing lessons taking place. On Tuesday 30th June, WASSA ran an introduction to surfing with T-Bay Surf Centre in Tramore for children on the autism spectrum. Ten children ranging in age from 4 to 12 years took part in a two hour surf lesson. Similarly, T-Bay Surf Centre ran another session for eight parents and eleven children on Wednesday 1st July. Both sessions involved a mixture of theory and practical work and before catching some wave’s participants learnt crucial water safety skills and basic surfing techniques. As a result of two hugely successful evenings the WASSA Club has started a 6 week surfing programme for children with autism and their peers. Similarly both parents and children have joined additional surf programmes that were on offer by WSP. A special mention must go to Martin and Sarah Jane who ran two excellent sessions.
On Friday 3rd July, Waterford Boat Club held a come and try it event at their Canada Street base from 2-7pm. Fifteen young people were in attendance and had the opportunity to sample all the skills of rowing both on land and in the water. Participants were given a tour of the boat house and had a meet and greet session with the Club Captain and his coaches. Fo
llowed by demonstrations in safety on the water and ergs (rowing machine drills/skills). After learning the basic skills, the participants finally got the opportunity to put their newly learned skills to use on the water with an experienced crew.
Over the course of the week Northern Suburbs CYP brought 48 young people on two excursions; Mahon Falls and Kennedy Park. The young people had the opportunity to explore what the outdoors had to offer and leaned to enjoy the benefits of activities in the natural environment.
Last but not least, Waterford District Coarse Angling Club held an open day event for families on Saturday 4th July in Ballyshunnock from 10am-3pm. Over twenty participants and ten coaches were in attendance on the day. Participants had the opportunity to try some angling (all permits and tackle were provided). The highlight of the day was the launch of the newly purchased “Wheelie Boat”, which gives individuals with a disability or poor mobility issues access to fish on the lake. After hours of fishing participants enjoyed a well deserved barbecue and refreshments. Overall, National Recreation Week was a huge success in Waterford with over 100 participants taking part in events during the week. Well done to all those who took part and to everyone who helped to make the week the success it was.
If you would like further information on this event, please contact Pauline Cunningham, Sports Development Officer on 051 849855 or pcunningham@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
