Brock, 9, of Bomaderry stands up on the board. Pictures: ANDY ZAKELI
Four-year-old Finn is about to experience his first time on a surfboard.
Finn of Kangaroo Valley with South Coast DSA President Ian Picton.
Blake rides a wave to shore.
Travis Buckley of Campbeltown rides the wave.
The aim of the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia is ‘‘to put smiles on dials’’, but yesterday at Gerroa they did much more than that.
Take four-year-old Finn Reynolds for example, who hit the surf for the first time at yesterday’s annual event.
Finn has severe cerebral palsy and weighs just 10.5 kilograms. He was born prematurely at 27 weeks.
Wearing his brand new ‘‘cool surfer dude’’ size-two steamer, Finn braved some large waves and strong winds at Gerroa with the help of DSAA volunteers.
Finn’s father Nick described the day as ‘‘an extremely emotional experience’’.
‘‘He’s always loved the water ... to see the look on his face was fantastic,’’ he said.
The DSAA event at Gerroa is now in its 12th year, and yesterday an army of more than 140volunteers assisted about 40adults and children take to the water, with the help of a fleet of mobility sand cruisers.
Finn’s mum Tracey says Finn still wants to do everything his three older siblings do, it is just that his body lets him down.
He is however, a regular swimmer in his home town pool in Kangaroo Valley.
‘‘It is just amazing to see so many people take time out to volunteer and make these kids and adults realise they can do anything,’’ she said.
‘‘Today was priceless ... it was awe-inspiring to be a part of.’’