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 - however with an aging population seeking new ways of keeping healthy and fit there has been a rise in people over 50 taking up surfing in Britain.


Think and pictures of tanned-teens with sun bleached hair spring to mind however check out beaches all over Britain and you might be surprised to see a slightly more fully grown group of 'boarders' catching the 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 inactive.


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


Like swimming, browsing is an accessible form of exercise and can be done by anyone regardless of their age, weight, background or capability, alone or with their family and good friends.


A group of water sport enthusiasts informed the Big Splash how requiring to the water has actually assisted to keep them young.


RICH EMERSON


Many men and women returning from the fronts face individual and psychological struggles, but as one British guy has actually found, the sea can be a sanctuary.


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


Surf Action is a social business specialising in browse treatment for injured or mentally scarred previous servicemen.


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


He said: "Surfing is not a treatment but a focus, an enthusiasm and an activity that requires determination, perseverance and above all the aspiration to succeed.


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


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


CLIFF COX


With amazing included advantages for body and mind, Cliff Cox, former two-times English Masters Champion turned surf instructor, credits his wellbeing to surfing, enjoying 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 amazing both psychologically and physically - being out in the water you feel totally free, it's a good little escapism.


"I definitely think browsing and swimming go hand in hand, it really assists your swimming ability and self-confidence in the water."


SYDNEY MARKS


Sydney Marks who turns 80 in November is a firm follower that anybody can be involved in anything on the water. He proves this theory by still water snowboarding when a week at Action Watersports in Kent.


Sydney stated: "Throughout the years I have been under a little pressure, but on the water you forget whatever.


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


"I might have a little less endurance and strength and be a bit more mindful but you do it within your limits."


Lifeguard, 79, praises swimming


16 May 2011


BBC Big Splash


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Pure Spirit Surf School


www.actionwatersports.co.uk


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