Get back in the water, I posted a thread last year explaining how I'm looking to get back in the water but as I'm a cripple in a wheelchair I need help here and there .. now that I've spoke to a few people and will no doubt meet others who will offer a helping hand I'm confident in that regard, which is good. As it's just been Xmas and NYE, I'm going to wait till everything gets back to normal and then hopefully get everything sorted* -for example my wetsuit should be ready in 2 weeks- by the end of summer....

That said the other day whilst driving to Burns Beach I went past Mettams Pool and after getting out of the car I saw this -which would be of great, great use:

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Does or has anybody here surfed Mettam's before? If so when theres a decent swell and the wind is offshore how what you describe it?

That I know of, the only other break that is very accessible is Isolator's as there is a similar type 'ramp' but it is more like a 20 year old path :

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I'm thinking about writing a letter to The Town of Cottesloe, maybe even a petition just to prove a point, to get them to possibility look at doing something similar-- that said seeing as it's closer for me to get to time wise and would obviously pick up more swell than Cottesloe, it would be good if Mettam's Pool had a decent quality wave breaking if the conditions are right and not mush.

*www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Surfing/Shortboards/From-Perth-and-need-some-cash/

there is a circus of funboards, mals, goatboats, Sups all over it when there is a wave. Its a fat crumbly wave that doesnt do a lot, probably suitable for what your looking for. your only problem will be trying to get a wave and not get run over or hit by boards

How mobile are you? Is your wheel chair the regular skinny-wheel type? In which case you can't really traverse sand at all? That ramp at "Isolators" is actually at a place called Dutch Inn/Deep Six area. There are waves there occasionally, but mostly in winter and mostly SUPs or people who are crowded out of the other areas. It's actually a good spot for you because there are a couple of waves that break out from shore and then fade so you wouldn't be caught inside.

Mate, I'm more than willing to help out taking you for a surf, with as much assistance as one fit bloke can provide (i.e. I can help lift you etc but probably not lift a big bloke alone without difficulty - one more person would help a lot). Only problem is I usually plan surfs with little to no notice for myself depending on conditions and free time. However, once we get some consistent swells going (i.e. autumn, winter), it's a bit easier to predict a suitable day when those high pressure cells park over WA for a week at a time.

Can you surf beachies? What happens when you're caught inside? Do you need someone paddling right next to you just in case?

If I were you I'd be pulling the disabled card and not worry too much about crowds at Mettams etc. In fact, if I were with you I'd paddle up to a few in the crowd and let them know if you're going, you're going and to give you your space.

Revisit this topic once the winter swells arrive. Like I said, I'll give you a hand any time I can. I'm sure a few other seabreezers would help out too. Beachies would be ideal, e.g. a couple of places just out of the city on a weekend etc. You might have to be willing to sit on the beach between sessions and mind a drink and barbie or something so I could get a wave too.

Like you said in the other thread - have you looked into a wavejet? Maybe hit them up for a subsidised board? They look like they're heavily into publicity right now with the whole Triple Crown sponsorship thing. Maybe you could work out a deal with them - few photos and a bit of a story?

Have you ordered your jet thingo yet?

Hey mate, I don't know anything about Mettams but if you need a helping hand, gimme a buzz too. I'm free most morns which is when I go surfing so hopefully I can help you out too!

I surf mettams whenever it is on. Lately, that's not the case. But at other times of the year I love it. I don't personally surf the left though. I surf slightly North, in front of the lower carpark.

But I reckon Mettams is ideal for you and what you're after. Or as Legion mentioned, definately Dutch Inn.

I also agree with Legion, I reckon you'd be fine with crowds. At city the other day a dad had a boy on his back and caught one or two waves. When doing so, everyone just made way and let him have it. Even the snotty boogie boarders!

I think you've nailed it there Legion, very good call and if the clubbies can't help in this situation I'd be very surprised/disappointed.

Thanks for all the nuggets of information, much appreciated.

newguy and trevor1, I'll PM you guys when I get everything sorted.

Legion said...


Maybe hit them up for a subsidised board? They look like they're heavily into publicity right now with the whole Triple Crown sponsorship thing.

doggie said...

Have you ordered your jet thingo yet?

OK I started on a letter to wavejet, am stuck atm tho'

Hello my name is Kaz Maras.

I'm 28 years old and live in Perth, Western Australia currently.

The reason is I'm writing this letter is that I'm a C5-C6 quadriplegic and have been since I was 21; for an example I have got function of my upper body but only above my chest but none in my triceps for example. I use to surf heaps when I was younger to the extent I moved when I was 18 to live on the Gold Coast -Coolangatta for a few years. So surfing was a big part of my life back then, like it is for many others - it still is to an extent but because of the situation I'm in even attempting to get back in the ocean is far from straight forward, let alone catching a few waves and enjoying yourself.

Now because of that I have recently seriously started to look at getting back in the ocean and seeing as the surf in Perth in the summer is non existent and the cooler months are more surf friendly I've got a custom wetsuit made for me and I'm currently looking at different beaches and surf spots that might the most accessible and suited to me in the Perth metro area. There are still a few other 'issues' that are stopping me getting back in the ocean, on a surfboard at least. Many of which are solvable by myself given time, some aren't so straight forward and to be blunt money is also a factor or should I say lack of money needed to sort this out myself.

A few months ago I was on the internet and came across your website, after reading a little bit about WaveJet surf boards and what your product is all about - it didn't take me long to realize that having a wavejet system on my board would solve one of the biggest 'issues' I that face and that is paddling. Just the idea of having your own Personal Water Propulsion is brilliant. For me it is a case of "how am I going to get from A to B without somebody having to push me around everywhere?"

Basically if I want to go get out in the surf on a regular basis, having to rely on people pushing you around everywhere isn't ideal to say the least. The WaveJet system that you come up with is great for your average surfer or indeed people like myself, who having a wavejet system could be the difference between getting out every week for a surf or sitting at home thinking about it - is great but unfortunately though in Perth there are many people who have never heard your of product as yet, which is a shame.

Currently I'm trying other avenues to get together the money required to buy one of your WaveJet systems but so far with no luck,

Hey Kaz - mate just how much dough are you looking at or for? that's if you don't mind me asking.

Good point Bulldog - Kaz, I'm not the richest bloke around but I'm willing to chip in towards equipment for you to get in the water. I'm sure I can manage $50 towards a board or whatever.

I've also asked an expert writer for some tips on your letter.

^^Yeah i'm in, let's get this happening.

letter is pretty good Kaz, however, I would include a paragraph that is emotive. I don't think you need to go overboard with it, just a few words on what getting back into the water would mean to your overall wellbeing and quality of life. I too will chip in if need be plus I'm able to get you some publicity through some media contacts, I'll get in touch with someone in the industry as well who may be able to help so with a bit of luck I think we can make this happen.

"Kaz the Spaz's Fundraiser"

Quiz night to raise funds, I can organise some vino for prizes and I'm sure some of us have a board or fishing gear et al that we'd be willing to put up for auction too????

No offense intended. Just taking the light hearted approach.

Seriously.

Would be a good excuse for a get together too

Mickle the cripple.

Let's do it! I'm in!!