ParaSurf Scotland to 2023 ISA Worlds in California

Aim

To raise funds for the SSF to send a Para Surf Scotland team to the ISA Para Surfing World Championships in California, this November!

Intro?

Para Surf Scotland are going back to California this November, to the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Para Surfing Championships (WPSC) in Huntington Beach! The competition runs from 5th – 11th of November and we really need your help to get a team there. After another exciting year of Para Surfing in Scotland and around the UK the Scottish team has grown, with 2 competitors, Jade Edward and Karen Darke, qualifying to represent Scotland in the Prone 2 category (surfers who ride waves in a prone position and need assistance to paddle into waves and while in the water). After her semi-final and 8th place finish last year, Jade is hopeful of another exciting event, and Karen unfortunately had to miss last year, but is now ready for her first World Championships!

Why are we crowdfunding?

This fundraiser is on behalf of the Scottish Surfing Federation, where all funds raised will go towards the expenses of sending this Para Surf Scotland team to California. For 2 athletes the full team would be 9 people, consisting of a pusher, catcher, and personal support person for each athlete. Saoirse Quinn will also make up one spot in this year's team to go and complete training as a ISA Para Surf classifier, making her the first fully qualified classifier in the UK. The overall cost for this full team will be approximately £20k, including flights, travel, accommodation, and food costs.

Community impact

The SSF is committed to continuing the development of Para Surfing in Scotland, and this is an amazing opportunity for Scotland to compete at the world stage, with medal potential. The team has doubled since last year, and we would like to see that trend continue. Competing in California will provide a platform to inspire other adults and children with disabilities and help promote this amazing sport.

How you can play your part?

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Meet the Team

At just 11, Jade Edward has been leading the charge in Scottish Para Surfing and is now heading for her second WPSC in California. She secured her spot with a 1st place win at the inaugural Scottish National Para Surf Championships in Dunnet, and an excellent solid 3rd place women at the Welsh Adaptive Open at The Wave!

Jade’s achievements so far are exciting and inspirational, check out this video of her story  so far and her amazing Pride of Scotland 2023 award: Jade Edward - Pride of Scotland Award

Karen Darke missed with WPSC in California this year, due to an incredible Polar expedition, but is now back and ready for this adventure to represent Scotland! Karen’s first and only competition of the season was the English Adaptive Open in Putsborough, where she was pushed out of her comfort zone with solid surf but came away with the women’s win, securing her spot in the Para Surf Scotland team! 

Karen is already a Hand-cycling Paralympic Gold medallist and has quite a collection of achievements as an explorer and adventurer. Check out her story here: Karen Darke - "Round 2"

You can also watch the highlight video from the 2022 WPSC here.

This project successfully funded on 1st November 2023