I am Director and Head Coach of Surfability UK Community Interest Company. It is the only surfing school in Wales that is just for disabled people.
It started in 2013 and is always striving to be more inclusive. We currently work with 30 – 50 people a week, with a huge variety of additional needs.
"Take advice but don’t listen to negativity. You can shape the world and break down barriers."
Ben Clifford - Surfability UK CIC
I grew up in Bristol on the edge of a rough council estate; the school I attended was failing.
I was determined to get away. Leaving school and going to college really expanded my horizons, and I got enough A levels to enrol at Swansea University. While there I started surfing, and later coaching surfing.
I started working with disabled people through volunteering then expanded my skills through working in special education.
I ran adapted surfing lessons through a mainstream surf school, these were so successful they soon required a specialist service so I started Surfability. I have recently become team manager for Wales’ adaptive surfing team. It is so great to develop the sport I love at both a grass roots and elite level.
I’ve had to have patience, understanding, and perseverance.
Connect with Ben