Rash guards are worn as a protective layer from the sun’s rays, harsh ocean conditions, and uncomfortable chafing.

• Orange: Key Leaders
• Red: Water Safety
• Dark Grey: Beach Safety
• Blue: Assisted Swim
• White: Transfers
• Neon Yellow: Surf Instructors
• Dark Green: Participants

PFDs gives participants more buoyancy to help them stay afloat in the water.

Prone Surfboard

• Adaptive surf boards come in many forms: tandem, assist, prone, knee, and wave ski boards.
• Many boards have custom handles which allow for better control and maneuverability.
• They may also have custom digouts to aid in securing or positioning the individuals body.
• For the most part, fins are placed more toward the center of gravity of the prone surfer.  Most adaptive boards are custom made and are difficult to find, so be careful when handling adaptive boards.

• A waveski is a surf craft that allows participants to ride the waves while seated and paddling.
• Waveskis resemble surfboards with the additions of a seat, foot straps, and seat belt.
• The participant can use a double ended paddle or their hands to paddle while seated in the waveski.

Fins allows the surfer to stabilize and control direction of their board by varying their side-to-side weight distribution.

A Surfboard Fin

Surfboard leashes keep a surfer’s board attached to them if they fall off while riding a wave.

Surfboard leash attached to surfer’s leg

Some participants wear head gear for impact protection.

They come in different colors and sizes.

Standard Booties

• Some participants wear booties to keep their feet warm in water and protected from the reef.
• When donning booties, make sure the foot is placed flat inside. Many individuals are not able to feel or move their toes/feet so making sure their toes and foot are flat requires a tactile and/or visual check. This could minimize issues later.
• Use booties that are thick or have rubber soles for people that stand or walk. Booties that are lighter material on the bottom are more for skin protection for individuals that do not walk or need protection from swim fins.

• Leg straps are velcro adjustable straps that hold participant’s legs together.
• Leg straps are usually used when an individual can not close their legs while in a prone position or when then need help in keeping their legs on the board while paddling.
• The advantage to using a leg strap is that the individual has to put less energy into staying on the board and staying in position while paddling and surfing.
• Sometimes a leg strap makes the base of support narrow, and the individual has a hard time finding their center of balance. If this happens, widen the straps base. Also, straps are prone to falling off during a wipeout. Secure them tight enough or make sure they can float for ease of recovery.

There are a variety of beach wheelchairs available. AccesSurf uses the “Mobi Chair:”

• The Mobi is a unique floatable beach wheelchair that is used to transfer people to and from the ocean. The Mobi can easily roll on sand, float in the water, and get wet with out becoming damaged.
• The Mobi includes 6 different parts: the frame, 3 buoyant tires, and 2 floating arm rests.
• It’s important to wash down the Mobi after each use with fresh water. Make sure you wash down every part including the nuts, bolts, and the quick release levers to prevent surface corrosion.

A Pool Lift

The pool lift is used to transfer people to and from a pool.