Parents’ Perspectives on Surf Therapy for Children with Disabilities

Abstract

This qualitative study was designed to understand parents’ perceptions of their children’s participation in an inclusive surf therapy programme in the United States. Ten parents and one caregiver were interviewed about theirs and their children’s experience in the surf programme. Parent discussions centred on the child, parent/caregiver, instructor and challenges of parenting. Results indicate that parents perceive surf therapy to positively impact their child physically, socially and behaviourally. Findings also suggest cost, an inclusive, family-centred approach and opportunities for socialisation with other families were important to parents’ satisfaction.

Keywords:

• Disability
• guardians
• inclusion
• parents
• surfing
• surf therapy
• qualitative
• youth with disabilities

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Peter Panagiotis from the Peter Pan Surf Academy who donated 50% of the equipment rental costs.