Gerroa is recognised as the safest beach in Australia for DSA surfing activities and the event’s large attendances over recent years reflects this acceptance by the public.

Disabled Surfing is continuing to build on its expansion across Australia and NZ with 15 branches up and running and two more on the drawing board for next season.

The latest branch at Point Leo, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, had 176 people turn up for its inaugural training day last month.

At the Sydney DSA event at Collaroy two weeks ago, opposition leader Tony Abbott got in the water for two hours to help out – “and yes, he was wearing board shorts” said South Coast secretary Jim Bradley.

He tweeted the next day “Great day at Collaroy helping people with serious disabilities surf. I’m full of admiration for Disabled Surfers Association.”

And that sums the DSA up beautifully – it is open to everyone to come and help, just leave any egos at home – it’s all about putting smiles on dials – safely.

Many local schools in the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven have promoted the event and the student response has always been good in past years.

The Gerroa Longboard Club, Malnutrition are the traditional hosts with many local surf shops supporting the day.

Sign-in is from 9am to 9.30 at Emery Park, on the northern side of the Crooked River at Gerroa.

For more information www.disabledsurfers.org or contact Jim on 0458 690455.