The Foundation aims to affect meaningful change in people’s lives by improving their mental and physical well-being through ocean-based therapy programmes.
Cape Town, South Africa (02 September 2019) – The Roxy Davis Foundation was founded by 9 times South African surfing champion, Roxy Davis, a proudly ‘Capetonian’, having grown up in Kommetjie! The foundation was formed in January 2019 with a passion for surfing, the ocean and its many great benefits.
Roxy is the first individual to represent South Africa in all three disciplines of shortboard surfing, longboard surfing and stand up paddleboard surfing as well as serving as a National Team Manager and Surf Coach.
Roxy is an accomplished businesswoman having founded Surf Emporium in 2002. Surf Emporium is an Accredited Surf School with Surfing South Africa, specialising in surfing and stand up paddleboarding lessons with a philosophy of inclusiveness and always mindful of considering everyone’s unique needs. Roxy leads a professional surf coaching team consisting of over 100 instructors, some of which are also trained as Adaptive Surf coaches.
“Surfing changed my life. I have been surfing for 24 years and teaching surfing for 18 years. If I can use my passion and business as the platform to affect change in others lives, it’s my responsibility to do so. It’s a great privilege and honour to share surfing and its physical and mental benefits with others, particularly those that may not have the opportunity or means.
This year we have formalised our foundation focusing on Adaptive Surfing and Surf Therapy. We are passionate about teaching South Africans how to surf.”
The main goal is to create awareness for and about Adaptive Surfing in South Africa. Surfers with disabilities have the opportunity to surf, but for us to do this, we need to:
- Let them know it’s possible.
- Grow the volunteer pool to help us.
- Let people know about the needs of Adaptive Surfing Cape Town to be able to offer the opportunity to more surfers – these are real needs, all of which need funding to support.
One of the ways they are achieving these goals is by offering companies a corporate team building/year-end function experience where they can learn to surf themselves and then become the volunteers on an adaptive surf lesson and give back! So Adaptive Surfing Cape Town isn’t asking for a handout. They are saying “let’s provide you with an incredible heartfelt experience”, and through that, you can help others and have an amazing morning at the beach!
“My goal is to make surfing accessible to anyone wanting to participate which includes people with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges and anyone who would like to participate but maybe don’t have the financial support to do so. Our youngest surfer is 4years old and oldest is 77years old.
We have been running adaptive clinics once a month for people with disabilities, and it has been incredible to see how much impact it is making in peoples lives to have access to the ocean.”
Find out more about how you can get involved by clicking here.
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