For Cody and his mum Mel, a recent day at the beach became something they will remember for a long time.
The Disabled Surfers Association of Tasmania (DSA) runs events that support people to experience the joy of surfing. Mel had been thinking about taking Cody for a while, but like many parents, she wondered how it would work and whether the right support would be in place.
“I have been wanting to take Cody but also hesitant about how things would go and if we would have the right support necessary to make it an enjoyable experience,” Mel said.
Cody has been accessing respite for several years, and during that time he and Mel have built trusted relationships with Cody’s support team. That trust helped turn an idea into a plan.
Instead of asking whether the experience was possible, the conversation became: how can we make this work?
Together, they organised for one of Cody’s favourite support workers to meet them at the beach for the event.
“This was Cody’s first time surfing and he absolutely loved it,” Mel said.
“Thankfully Able fully supported Cody and me, arranging one of his favourite support workers to meet us there. Supporting us both through the whole day made it one of our best outings ever.”
From the moment they arrived, Cody was excited to be at the beach. With the support of the Disabled Surfers volunteers, he headed out into the water to try surfing for the first time.
Support worker Kate was there alongside Cody and Mel throughout the day.
“It was so lovely to share the day with Cody and his mum, Mel, and see how proud and happy she was watching Cody experience surfing for the first time,” she said.
“The support, encouragement and teamwork from everyone involved made the whole day feel really special.”
“Seeing Cody laughing, splashing in the water and enjoying every moment reminded me how important these opportunities are and how much I truly love my job,” she said.
“It was such a rewarding day, and I feel very grateful to have been part of helping Cody ride his first waves.”
Mel says the support meant she could enjoy the experience too. She wasn’t worrying about whether everything would work but was simply there to share the moment with Cody.
“Without Able and Kate’s support I couldn’t have done it on my own,” she said.
“So, a huge thank you for helping make it happen. We are very grateful Cody got to have this experience.”
Cody left the beach smiling.
He had tried something new. He had taken a risk. And he had caught his first waves.
Moments like this show what respite can make possible. Not just a break, but the chance to try new things, build confidence and create memories together.
Sometimes it starts with someone simply asking: How can we?