Silver Surfers Take To The Waves To Make Big Splash

20 September 2011


ByLivvy Barber & Harriet Webb
Big Splash


Swimming has long been viewed as a sport for people of any ages - but with an aging population looking for new ways of keeping healthy and fit there has actually been a rise in people over 50 taking up surfing in Britain.


Think browsing and pictures of tanned-teens with sun bleached hair spring to mind however check out beaches all over Britain and you may be shocked to see a somewhat more mature group of 'boarders' catching the morning wave.


By 2012, it is expected 41% of the population in Britain will be over 50. According to the Active People Survey 40% of these men and ladies are physically inactive.


But at groups all over the country, such as Newcastle's Silver Surfers - a surf club for the over 50s, individuals are revelling in the enjoyable and health advantages water sports can bring.


Like swimming, surfing is an available type of exercise and can be done by anybody regardless of their age, weight, background or ability, alone or with their household and good friends.


A group of water sport enthusiasts informed the Big Splash how taking to the water has helped to keep them young.


RICH EMERSON


Many men and ladies returning from the fronts deal with personal and psychological battles, however as one British man has actually found, the sea can be a sanctuary.


Rich Emerson, a battle veteran, with PTSD (post traumatic tension condition) and started Surf Action with good friend and surf partner Russ Pierre, to help others like himself.


Surf Action is a social enterprise specialising in surf therapy for injured or mentally scarred previous servicemen.


Russ explains how surfing takes you far from the barriers of every day life.


He stated: "Surfing is not a remedy but a focus, an enthusiasm and an activity that requires decision, perseverance and above all the goal to be successful.


"However, forgetting all that, it is fun, it makes you smile.


"I think there suffice chances, we're an island, it just takes a little get up and go. We lack a little motivation however it's so gratifying."


CLIFF COX


With amazing added benefits for body and mind, Cliff Cox, previous two-times English Masters Champion turned surf instructor, credits his wellbeing to browsing, thrilling in the way it keeps him young at 50.


Cliff described: "Being out in the ocean maximizes all the emotion, you go home a delighted camper at the end of the day.


"Surfing is incredible both mentally and physically - being out in the water you do not hesitate, it's a good little escapism.


"I definitely think surfing and swimming work together, it actually assists your swimming capability and confidence in the water."


SYDNEY MARKS


Sydney Marks who turns 80 in November is a firm believer that anybody can be included in anything on the water. He proves this theory by still water skiing once a week at Action Watersports in Kent.


Sydney said: "Throughout the years I have actually been under a little bit of pressure, but on the water you forget everything.


"We go on the lake for the day with the kids with a bit of food and let the world pass you by.


"I may have a little less endurance and strength and be a little more careful but you do it within your limitations."


Lifeguard, 79, applauds swimming


16 May 2011


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Pure Spirit Surf School


www.actionwatersports.co.uk


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