THERE were plenty of smiles on dials at Seven Mile Beach on Sunday for the Disabled Surfers Association’s 14th annual Gerroa Hands On Day event.
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South Coast DSA branch president Ian Picton said the association enjoyed one of its best days yet at Gerroa with conditions ideal for the 250 helpers and 35 participants.
Mr Picton said high schools in the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven promoted this year’s event with many new young faces present this year to “lend a hand”.
The day got off to a special start with the scattering of the ashes of former member Rod Thompson.
The 37-year-old Albion Park man, who died last September, was a regular at the Gerroa events.
DSA national advisor Jim Bradley said Mr Thompson, who was nicknamed “Hot Rod”, was an inspiration to the DSA surfers, committee and members.
He said Mr Thompson had brightened the lives of many since he first took part in the event in 2009.
Gerroa is recognised as the safest beach in Australia for DSA surfing activities.
The Gerroa Longboard Club Malnutrition are the traditional hosts of the event with support from the Kiama Coast Holiday Parks and the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club.