Silver Surfers Take To The Waves To Make Big Splash

20 September 2011


ByLivvy Barber & Harriet Webb
Big Splash


Swimming has actually long been seen as a sport for individuals of all ages - however with an ageing brand-new methods of keeping fit and healthy there has been a surge in people over 50 taking up browsing in Britain.


Think browsing and images of tanned-teens with sun bleached hair spring to mind but go to beaches all over Britain and you may be surprised to see a somewhat more fully grown group of 'boarders' capturing the morning wave.


By 2012, it is anticipated 41% of the population in Britain will be over 50. According to the Active People Survey 40% of these men and ladies are physically non-active.


But at groups all over the country, such as Newcastle's Silver Surfers - a surf club for the over 50s, individuals are savoring the enjoyable and health advantages water sports can bring.


Like swimming, surfing is an available type of workout and can be done by anybody despite their age, weight, background or ability, alone or with their friends and family.


A group of water sport fanatics informed the Big Splash how requiring to the water has helped to keep them young.


RICH EMERSON


Many males and females returning from the fronts face personal and mental struggles, but as one British guy has actually discovered, the sea can be a sanctuary.


Rich Emerson, a battle veteran, experiences PTSD (post terrible stress disorder) and started Surf Action with friend and surf partner Russ Pierre, to help others like himself.


Surf Action is a social business specialising in surf therapy for hurt or psychologically scarred former servicemen.


Russ explains how browsing takes you away from the barriers of life.


He stated: "Surfing is not a treatment however a focus, an enthusiasm and an activity that needs determination, determination and above all the aspiration to prosper.


"However, forgetting all that, it is fun, it makes you smile.


"I believe there are enough chances, we're an island, it just takes a little bit of get up and go. We lack a little bit of motivation however it's so rewarding."


CLIFF COX


With remarkable added benefits for body and mind, Cliff Cox, former two-times English Masters Champion turned browse instructor, credits his health and wellbeing to browsing, enjoying the method it keeps him young at 50.


Cliff discussed: "Being out in the ocean maximizes all the feeling, you go home a delighted camper at the end of the day.


"Surfing is incredible both psychologically and physically - being out in the water you do not hesitate, it's a great bit of escapism.


"I definitely believe surfing and swimming work together, it truly assists your swimming ability and self-confidence in the water."


SYDNEY MARKS


Sydney Marks who turns 80 in November is a firm believer that anybody can be associated with anything on the water. He proves this theory by still water snowboarding once a week at Action Watersports in Kent.


Sydney stated: "Over the years I have actually been under a little bit of pressure, but on the water you forget everything.


"We go on the lake for the day with the kids with a bit of food and let the world pass you by.


"I might have a little less endurance and strength and be a little bit more careful but you do it within your limitations."


Lifeguard, 79, applauds swimming


16 May 2011


BBC Big Splash


Roger Allsopp becomes earliest individual to swim the English Channel


Pure Spirit Surf School


www.actionwatersports.co.uk


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