A Moray charity has launched an ambitious project, so that children confined to wheelchairs can surf the waves.
Forres-based group Friendly Access has started a £10,000 fundraising drive to secure new equipment to branch out with the thrill-seeking sessions.
The charity has teamed up with the Riding High group, which has already pioneered classes for autistic children in the region.
But now, the organisations have joined together to try and run the new sessions, which will be the first of their kind in Scotland.
Specialist surf boards costing up to £1,500 each, with chairs attached, will be used for the tutorials. Tandem boards for two people have also been earmarked.
Riding High instructor, Kevin Anderson, is excited about the classes that will be run at Lossiemouth and Sandend.
He said: “They will still get the sensation of surfing on the waves. Even if they are not able to propel themselves, they’ll still feel what it’s like to control the board or indicate where they want to go.
“We want it to be open to anyone that’s go mobility issues – that could be anything like people who can’t walk far, who have lost a limb or who can’t walk at all.
“Surfing can really give people a sense of freedom. There are so many possibilities imagination is the only thing that can hold it back.”
Organisers are hoping to launch the new scheme, which has been entitle surfABLE, later this year.
Members are now planning a fundraising drive to fund the equipment with bids already submitted to external bodies for grants.
Appeals have also been made for more volunteers to come forward to help run the sessions.
Glyn Morris, chief executive of Friendly Access, set up the charity after feeling his autistic son was being excluded from activities because of his condition.
The Forres father is now aiming to make as many events as inclusive as possible.
He added: “The demand is definitely there for it. There are people that come from all over the country for the Riding High classes already.
“Surfing is a fun and enjoyable thing to do. It’s not possible for everyone to take part at the moment, but if we get the right people in the right places then we know we can make it happen.”
