Silver Surfers Require To The Waves To Make Big Splash

20 September 2011


ByLivvy Barber & Harriet Webb
Big Splash


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


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


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


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


Like swimming, browsing is an accessible kind of workout and can be done by anyone despite their age, weight, background or capability, alone or with their friends and family.


A group of water sport fanatics told 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 mental struggles, but as one British guy has discovered, the sea can be a sanctuary.


Rich Emerson, a fight veteran, suffers with PTSD (post traumatic stress condition) and started Surf Action with buddy and surf partner Russ Pierre, to assist others like himself.


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


Russ explains how browsing takes you away from the barriers of daily life.


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


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


"I believe there suffice chances, we're an island, it just takes a little get up and go. We do not have a little motivation however it's so fulfilling."


CLIFF COX


With amazing included advantages for body and mind, Cliff Cox, former two-times English Masters Champion turned surf instructor, credits his wellness to browsing, enjoying the method it keeps him young at 50.


Cliff discussed: "Being out in the ocean releases up all the emotion, you go home a happy camper at the end of the day.


"Surfing is amazing both mentally and physically - being out in the water you feel totally free, it's a great bit of escapism.


"I absolutely believe surfing and swimming work together, it actually helps 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 shows this theory by still water snowboarding once a week at Action Watersports in Kent.


Sydney stated: "For many years I have actually been under a little bit of pressure, however on the water you forget whatever.


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


"I may have a little less stamina and strength and be a bit more careful however you do it within your limits."


Lifeguard, 79, applauds swimming


16 May 2011


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Pure Spirit Surf School


www.actionwatersports.co.uk


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