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 ageing population seeking new ways of keeping healthy and fit there has been a rise in individuals over 50 using up surfing in Britain.


Think browsing and pictures of tanned-teens with sun bleached hair occur but go to beaches all over Britain and you might be amazed 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 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 savoring the enjoyable and health advantages water sports can bring.


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


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


RICH EMERSON


Many males and females returning from the fronts face personal and psychological struggles, however as one British man has actually discovered, the sea can be a sanctuary.


Rich Emerson, a fight veteran, suffers with PTSD (post terrible tension condition) and began Surf Action with friend and browse partner Russ Pierre, to assist others like himself.


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


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


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


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


"I believe there are enough opportunities, we're an island, it simply takes a little bit of get up and go. We lack a bit of motivation but it's so gratifying."


CLIFF COX


With amazing included advantages for body and mind, Cliff Cox, previous two-times English Masters Champion turned browse trainer, credits his health and wellbeing to browsing, delighting in the way it keeps him young at 50.


Cliff discussed: "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 do not hesitate, it's an excellent bit of escapism.


"I certainly think browsing and swimming work together, it truly assists your swimming capability and self-confidence in the water."


SYDNEY MARKS


Sydney Marks who turns 80 in November is a firm follower that anyone can be included 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, however on the water you forget everything.


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


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


Lifeguard, 79, swimming


16 May 2011


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Pure Spirit Surf School


www.actionwatersports.co.uk


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