Disabled Surfers Association South West History

Story and photos by Mick Marlin

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia’s mission is to put “Smiles on Dials” by taking people of all disabilities surfing in a fun, friendly and safe environment.

The DSA (Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc.) was founded in Sydney in 1986 by Gary Blaschke, who was badly injured in a motorbike accident.

Told he would not surf again, Gary was still keen to get back into the ocean. Necessity being the mother of motivation, Gary got a few mates together and formed a disabled persons support group specially related to surfing.

Initially set up for injured surfers, within 12 months the DSA had dramatically widened its target group to cater for all disabled, whether they were originally a surfer or not.

The DSA has grown enormously over the past four decades with 19 branches in five states all following the same format and procedures.

The Perth branch was formed in 2005 at Leighton Beach. At the time the President was Bruce Peel, severely injured after a motorcycle accident and Bec Colson was State Secretary. Beck had a heart for DSA following her partner’s illness which affected his limbs and resulted in him being unable to access the ocean and follow his passion for surfing.

Beck’s family had a property in Dunsborough, and she saw potential for a regional branch at Bunker Bay. After running a couple of trial events, it was decided that there was enough support to form a separate southwest branch.

In 2008 a meeting was held at Dunsborough Community Hall. Tim Linton from Margaret River was elected President, Ant Purcell Vice President and Bec Coulson as Secretary. Murray and Janine Cameron joined the original committee.

Much of the early fundraising and shire requirements were carried out by Tim.

Eventually Tim stepped back, and Ant Purcell took on the role as President. A very keen committee was formed with Murray and Janine remaining. Mick Marlin and Jeannette de Haas joined the now recognized DSA South West. Gordon and Jean Smith from Bunbury SLSC also joined the committee bringing a lot of surf lifesaving knowledge.

Currently Ant Purcell remains President with Anna Foley and Fiona Trendos Vice Presidents and Jenny Troy as secretary along with a hard-working committee. WA surfing legend Kevin Merifield has been a patron for many years.

In 2025 Ant Pursell and Mick Marlin were awarded Life memberships.

The surfing events are held in the gentle waves of Bunker Bay, sheltered by Cape Naturaliste. Conditions sometimes send a sizeable wave onto the beach, as has happened on several occasions resulting in lots of fun and wipeouts for the diehards but only viewing pleasure for the less proficient.

Four events occur once a month during summer, usually attracting 50 or so surfers, 50 or so carers and 100 plus volunteers.

Our prime emphasis is on safety. The DSA utilizes a unique colour coding system for all participants, carers and helpers to know the “state of play” at any given time. Surfers wear yellow, carers are in grey, volunteers in blue, team leaders are in red, and the beach marshals are in green. The DSA have a high helper to participant ratio, from a minimum of 6 to 1 and up to as high as 30 to 1. Carers must remain close to their surfers.

The DSA uses the latest technology in soft Malibu style surfboards and wetsuits. As well as amphibious wheelchairs, on board bean bags and surfsocks.

Royalties for Regions financed mesh matting for on-beach access.

Over the years donations have helped to establish a purpose-built trailer for equipment, a change tent, drinking water, gazebos, chairs, a registration tent and beach play equipment for the less water confident. The bar-be-que trailer is loaned from Vasse Football Club organized by Paul Davis.

The organisation is staffed entirely by volunteers and runs using donations from generous sponsors and the public.

Volunteers are warmly welcomed and have as much fun as the surfers.

Thanks to DSA Australia, Murray Cameron and Jeannette de Hass for helping with the story.