Two of Britains best para surfers have set up fundraisers cover the cost of competing internationally.
Peg Bennett missed some comps last year due to the costs.
“With what I have spent on competition so far and looking at the year ahead to do all the competitions I really need to it will be around 8.5K . To do all of the tour competitions this year would be around 15k.
“Last year I missed out on representing England at the ISA world championships due to a last minute invitation onto the team and a lack of time to raise the funds .
“I have already attended two events France (Brittany) and Portugal (Algarve) of the Para Surf League world tour 2024/25 and would love to attend the final 2 in Peru (Lima) and Spain (Câdiz). As part of Team England we are hoping to attend the European Para Surf Championships in September ( date and venue still to be confirmed) and the ISA World Para Surf Championships (date and venue still to be confirmed).
Added to this the added cost of specialised equipment such as boards, surf prosthetics and such it is becoming harder and harder to actually compete at the level I want to.”
I have a just giving page set up and any and all help is much appreciated.
Zoe Smith is a Para Stand 2 athlete (below-knee amputee) representing Surfing England, current ISA World Champion, a British Champion, and a two-time English Nationals Champion.
“Competing at an elite level in adaptive surfing comes with significant costs, including:
• Specialist Surfing Equipment – Custom surfboards suited to different event conditions.
• Prosthetic Maintenance – My surfing prosthetic costs £11,500, with annual maintenance expenses of £3,000–£5,000. A single liner costs £600 and lasts 2–3 months.
• Coaching & Support – My coach travels with me to provide essential therapeutic treatment and assist with heavy equipment.
• Travel & Accommodation – Flights and accommodation for international competitions and training.
• Training & Coaching Costs – Regular training sessions to stay at the top of my game.
“I am seeking sponsorship and fundraising support to help me continue competing at the highest level, representing the UK on the world stage. Any support, big or small, will help me reach my goals and inspire the next generation of adaptive surfers.”
