Roxy Davis Foundation NPC

Passion with Purpose leads to Possibility for all People.

ABOUT THE ROXY DAVIS FOUNDATION

The Roxy Davis Foundation is an NPO that delivers ongoing life changing Surf Therapy and ocean-based experiences to enhance the physical and mental well-being of individuals with physical, intellectual, cognitive or sensory disabilities. 

Registered as an NPC 2019/167824/08 | NPO  235-936 | PBO 930069168 with a Section 18A certificate.

Surf Therapy is a method of intervention that combines surf instruction/surfing and structured individual and/or group activities to promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being. The Roxy Davis Foundation is affiliated with the International Surf Therapy Organisation, International Surfing Association and Surfing South Africa. 

THE REALITY

A high proportion of disabled people live in impoverished conditions and more than 7.5 percent of the South African population (2,870,130 people) live with a disability. People with disabilities have less access to social services, adequate standard of living, health services, and early learning and education. Inaccessibility of the environment for sport participation has been a large identifier as the chief barrier to social participation. Participation in sport and other recreational activities for individuals with a disability have significant benefits which include promoting inclusion, optimizing physical functioning, minimizing deconditioning and enhancing overall wellbeing and the promotion of physical, emotional and social well-being.

BENEFITS OF SURF THERAPY

The benefits of Surf Therapy are being documented through research and these include improvements in physical fitness, self-confidence, social development, behaviour and sleep, and reduced levels of anxiety.

Participants have shown improvement of self-concept, emotional regulation and social competencies, re-engagement with school, decreases in behavioral problems and increased social connections with peers. For individuals with a disability there are many barriers experienced from limited access to physical activity, therapy and community interaction. Surf therapy is providing a space for them in the community to thrive. 

WHAT WE DO 

1. Deliver a method of intervention that combines surf instruction/surfing and structured individual and/or group activities to promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being for individuals with a disability
2. Deliver disability and inclusivity training, education & mentorship for volunteers - understanding community health, wellness and inclusivity;
   1. We do this through surf-like volunteer training session.
      
   2. Attend ISA Surf Coach training
   3. Attend First Aid / Water Safety Training
   4. Attend Volunteer Training
3. Research - a PhD research study on ‘An exploration of experiences of children with disabilities in surf therapy programme in South Africa’
4. Support para surfers and deliver para surfing championships to aid the growth of the sport locally, nationally and internationally.

WHAT GOES INTO DELIVERING EACH LESSON

1. Qualified Surf Instructors - Surfing South Africa Qualified Coach and First Aid 
2. Transports for surfers to beach and return home 
3. Safety Equipment lifejackets, wheelchair, surfboard, wetsuits, rash vests 
4. Head Volunteers and Volunteers – incl training
5. Meals and beverages for underprivileged participants and their families 
6. Operational preparation, admin, legal, governance
7. Medical and safety
8. Monitoring, evaluation and research 

WHO WE ARE HELPING 

We are providing surf therapy sessions for individuals with a disability. Our youngest surfer is 4 years old and the oldest is 78 years old. Our participants come from all areas in Cape Town with more than half of them from Delft, Khayelitsha and other township areas. 

Over the period of 1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022 we have delivered the following sessions

• 14 Surf Therapy Clinics  
• 108 Registered Surfers 70 are active - 38 require transport funds to surf; + waiting list
• 237 registered volunteers, 133 are active - some require transport funds 
• 149 Surf Therapy Lessons for surfers with a disability 
• 336 Volunteer Training Hours
• 284 Surf Sessions
• 445 Volunteer sessions
• 1 Provincial Para Surf Championship (Hosted)
• 1 National Para Surf Championship (KZN - Attended)
• 1 World Para Surf Championship (California - Attended)

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED 

1. Sponsor a surfer @R1500 per session (includes mobility friendly transport, adapted beach wheelchairs, adapted surf boards, life jackets, 2-8 trained volunteers)
2. Volunteer 
3. Donate services to reduce the operational expenditure

WHAT THE PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY

• Surfing makes me feel happy. It makes me want to scream - I’m happy. I’ve learnt that I am good at surfing, I saw myself, I am very good at surfing.
• Surfing taught me to never give up, be independent and be confident.
• I’m better when I am at the beach, and in the ocean. Once I started surfing I just felt free. I felt free and confident. Even in other spaces, even when I’m not surfing even at school I felt free and confident 
• Yes gives me strength to want to exercise, to look forward to the next session
• Helps me with lots strength, confidence and having a extreme sport I can take part In
• It strengthens the core muscles 
• It helps me feel happy and physically  stronger
• I'm a lung patient so the salty air helps me breathe better.
• Yes, through balance and walking on my legs
• Yes. He can't stop smiling and I wish there were more clinics available, like weekly 

• https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg6u5fMqPvX/ 
• ttps://www.instagram.com/p/CgwUSy1K_kB/ 

Here is a short video clip of what we do https://youtu.be/iKe99chE4cM

We focus on ability, not disability and on wellness, not illness - join this inclusive community program today.

www.roxydavisfoundation.org

https://www.instagram.com/roxydavisfoundation/

[email protected]