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COSTAL QUEER ALLIANCE - QUEER SURF PROGRAM

Let’s talk about accessibility!

Bighorn Production would like to highlight Coastal Queer Alliance for their tremendous work on making surfing more accessible for Queer Folks. 

What is accessibility? And why should we care about it?

Accessibility in relation to adventure sports refers to having the proper access to resources which allow us to practice the sport we are interested in. This can include anything from gear to transportation to coaching and mentorship. For folks faced with financial or social barriers, gaining access to these tools can be near impossible. This can be especially true with adventure sports as gear prices are expensive and formal instruction is often needed to feel safe in the dynamic outdoor environment. 

How is the Queer Surf program making surfing more accessible?

Coastal Queer Alliance, in collaboration with Surf Sister Surf School, hosts a monthly event which encourages queer representation out in the lineup. Queer Surf is a program dedicated to reducing the financial, logistical and social barriers for queer folks within surfing to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in the water. A few ways in which this event makes surfing more accessible for queer folks: gear is provided for those who register, trained instructors are present during the event, transportation to and from the venue is available, there is no cost to participate, there is a gender neutral wheelchair accessible washroom and gender neutral shower stalls, and the organizers are committed to using gender neutral language. 

To learn more or to catch the next Queer Surf event head on over to costal Queer Alliance Website by clicking their logo below.