Hang Loose: towards an adapted surfing program for young people

Young people aged 12 to 25 with chronic physical disabilities or mental vulnerabilities experience physical limitations, emotional distress, and social exclusion more frequently than their peers. Precisely at this young age, support on physical, mental, and social levels is important and formative for the rest of their lives. Participating in group sports and physical activities in nature, such as surfing, is a powerful way to become physically, mentally, and socially stronger. Yet, it is precisely these young people who find that regular sports and physical activities do not suit them; they feel uncomfortable, excluded, or unsafe. Research Group Assistive Technology for Mobility and Sports is working to address this challenge.

Goal 

With Hang Loose, we are working on developing, testing, and implementing a recognized adapted surfing program for young people with a physical disability or mental vulnerability. In co-creation with the target group, surf schools, adapted surf instructors, (healthcare) professionals, and researchers, we determine what the surfing program should look like, what training is required for instructors, and other prerequisites. We test and improve this in practice so that the final surfing program is not only recognized but can also be delivered by all surf schools and surf instructors in the Netherlands. 

Method 

The project follows the following steps: 

1. First, we will develop an adapted surfing program. We will do this by interviewing young people, their parents, surf instructors, and (healthcare) professionals, and by examining the current state of the surfing program. 

2. Next, we will develop an implementation plan to ensure that the developed surfing program is carried out properly and safely according to instructions. 

3. Finally, we will execute the adapted surfing program and implementation plan in practice and evaluate them. This will allow us to see how the surfing program is experienced and to make adjustments if necessary. 

4. Impact and communication; throughout the entire duration, but especially afterward, we will ensure that we share the outcomes and findings with other relevant parties. In this way, we ensure that the knowledge from this project does not stop or get lost after the 2-year duration but remains available to be applied in practice. 

Impact 

All young people with physical or psychological vulnerabilities who wish to do so can surf in a way that suits them. There is a well-founded, recognized, and scalable adapted surfing program, ensuring that everyone throughout the Netherlands has access to a safe, inclusive surfing experience. 

More information 

View the website of project leader Hang Loose: adaptive surfing for young people | Inholland University of Applied Sciences 

Duration 

This project runs from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028. 

Funding 

This project is funded by the SIA Steering Committee (Raak MKB). 

Collaboration 

• InHolland University of Applied Sciences 

• The Hague University of Applied Sciences 

• Skiffa Foundation 

• The Surf Project 

• Up Adaptive 

• Surf Therapy Foundation 

• The Shore (Scheveningen) 

• SurfKaravaan (Ouddorp) 

• Alrijne Hospital 

• Rotterdamse Douwers 

• SportSupport Kennemerland Foundation 

• Holland Surfing Association (HSA) 

• Disabled Sports Fund 

• Knowledge Centre Sport & Exercise 

Team 

• Monique Berger 

• Sjoerd Dreteler 

• Astrid Stift 

• Astrid Doorduijn 

Contact 

Astrid Doorduijn ([email protected])