Help us Build an Accessible Surf Camper Van

Aim

We are building an awesome adapted surf campervan for the incredible community interest company Surfability UK and their surfers.

Background

The project is in partnership with Surfability UK, a world-leading adaptive surf school. The accessible van will allow families and individuals to 'Surf and Stay' with Surfability UK CIC on the stunning Gower Peninsula.

Surfability UK will use this campervan to give families and individuals the opportunity to access adaptive surfing and an adventure holiday in Wales. 

About this project

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access nature and experience the thrill of catching a wave on a surfboard. 

But both surfing culture and a beach holiday are out of reach of many people with disabilities.   

Surfability UK provide surfing opportunities for hundreds of disabled people every year in the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty. However, there is limited accessible holiday accommodation, and strict building regulations, meaning that many families with disabled members who wish to visit are turned away every year. 

And so the idea of a handbuilt, one-of-a-kind adapted surf campervan was born! The camper will be built by Love Campers, owned by Surfability UK, who have partnered with Nicholston Farm to welcome the van's first visitors this summer! 

This campervan will allow many families and individuals to enjoy a campervan surf holiday over the next few years.

The accessible Surf Van design

Our adapted, accessible Surf Van will be like no other campervan conversion in the UK! 

Informed by a detailed consultation process, Love Campers will design and build a beautiful, handbuilt campervan, with features to ensure that anyone with mobility challenges or autism can have a comfortable and relaxing surf break by the sea.  

About the vehicle

We will convert either an L3 Citroen Relay or LWB Fiat Ducato. Both of these vans are long and wide enough to fit all of the features listed below. 

Once converted the van will seat up to five and have sleeping areas for up to four people.

Surf Van features

• Four to five belted seats (including one fully accessible seat)
• Sleeping berths for up to 4 people
• Driveway awning with extra sleeping / living area 
• Handbuilt wooden interior panelling by our skilled woodworkers
• Extra insulation for sound-proofing 
• Gas airblow heating system with heating controls
• Eco sound proofing and insulation
• Fully functioning kitchen including oven, sink and fridge
• Microwave
• Plug for blender
• Television
• Privacy / chill-out/ sensory area
• Flexible camper lighting – flexi and spot lighting around the van
• USB ports and three-pin plug sockets
• 240v electric hook-up
• Solar panel
• Inverter
• Blackout curtains covering all windows
• Accessible toilet 
• Cold shower from rear of van
• Electric ramp & storage
• Grab rails
• Bed upholstery in beautiful wipeable fabric
• Travel hoist 

This project successfully funded on 1st June 2022