Travis McCoy has been surfing and riding waves on the East Coast for as long as he can remember, and has always been an advocate that surfing is a cure for everyone.
A seasoned surfer and owner of South Pacific Surf School on Mount Maunganui, he truly believes that everyone can benefit from the ‘vitamin sea’ and feeling of empowerment that comes with riding a wave.
Travis and his instructors at South Pacific Surf School have been serving special needs students at Te Puke High School.
He says the difference he’s seen in them is staggering.
“Watching these kids grow up and get used to riding boards in the water is so surreal.
“It’s outside most of their comfort zones, but they really love it. And how their faces light up as they ride a wave or learn a new skill.” I love watching it. It feels great.”
Dave Valentine, a teacher at Te Puke High School, agrees with Travis.
“Our children have a wide range of intellectual and physical disabilities, but they all find solace in the ocean, and Youth Pacific Surf provides that and more each week. .
“Not everyone can connect with children with special needs the way Travis does, they just adore him.
“The parents of these students have been really supportive of their children taking this opportunity as there are so many sports options not offered to them.”
The students at Tepke High School were saddened to see the 2022 school year come to an end as they looked forward to their weekly surfing sessions, but hope to start again in the 2023 school year and improve the skills they have developed. I’m really looking forward to
South Pacific Surf School offers daily classes on Mt Maunganui during the summer for beginners ages 6 to 80.
Travis believes that no one is too old to reap the benefits surfing has to offer.
