Silver Surfers Take To The Waves To Make Big Splash

20 September 2011


ByLivvy Barber & Harriet Webb
Big Splash


Swimming has actually long been seen as a sport for individuals of all ages - but with an ageing population seeking brand-new methods of keeping healthy and fit there has actually been a rise in individuals over 50 using up surfing in Britain.


Think surfing and pictures of tanned-teens with sun bleached hair come to mind but go to beaches all over Britain and you might be surprised to see a slightly more fully grown group of 'boarders' capturing the early morning wave.


By 2012, it is anticipated 41% of the population in Britain will be over 50. According to the Active People Survey 40% of these males and females are physically non-active.


But at groups all over the nation, 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, browsing is an accessible type of exercise and can be done by anybody regardless of their age, weight, background or capability, alone or with their friends and family.


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


RICH EMERSON


Many men and females returning from the fronts face personal and psychological battles, however as one British guy has actually found, the sea can be a sanctuary.


Rich Emerson, a fight veteran, suffers with PTSD (post distressing tension disorder) and began Surf Action with buddy and surf partner Russ Pierre, to help others like himself.


Surf Action is a social enterprise specialising in browse for hurt or mentally scarred former servicemen.


Russ discusses how browsing takes you far from the barriers of life.


He said: "Surfing is not a treatment but a focus, an enthusiasm and an activity that needs determination, determination and above all the goal to be successful.


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


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


CLIFF COX


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


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


"Surfing is remarkable both psychologically and physically - being out in the water you do not hesitate, it's a great bit of escapism.


"I definitely think surfing and swimming go together, it really assists your swimming ability and self-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 stated: "Throughout the years I have 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 bit more cautious however you do it within your limitations."


Lifeguard, 79, praises swimming


16 May 2011


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Pure Spirit Surf School


www.actionwatersports.co.uk


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