Surfing champion Roxy Davis turns surf therapy for disabled children into PhD research
Cape Town - Roxy Davis, a nine-time South African World champion surfer and founder of the Roxy Davis foundation is making waves after completing her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation at the University of Cape Town (UCT) which focused on research into surf therapy for children with disabilities.
Davis’ journey began in 2019 when she planned to do a Master’s thesis on the topic and it was later changed to a PhD.
Davis graduated in September and it will now be the benchmark and guideline for anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps.
Her research has already influenced policy development based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in South Africa according to UCT.
Davis now hopes her research will navigate the need for disabled persons to be inclusive of beach spaces.
During her research, Davis focused on a group of children with a range of disabilities such as spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP), that relates to muscle stiffness and spasms, spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP), when there is weakness and inactive postural muscles in the neck and trunk and even those who have upper and lower limb loss
Davis attended the International Surf Therapy Conference in California in the United States in 2019 where she learnt there were only 20 research papers on the topic of surfing therapy for people with disabilities.
Davis also explained how her foundation came about which offers surfing therapy, adaptive surfing and education and training and environment awareness.
“The idea began with ocean based surf therapy, people with physical, intellectual and cognitive disabilities and by 2019 we got our NPO certification,” she told Weekend Argus.
“I had a surf school and surf shop in Muizenberg for 20 years and a friend came back from the World Para Surfing Championships and he asked about surf therapy.
“He said we should be getting involved in providing surf therapy in Cape Town, and South Africa.
“We saw many barriers and we thought if we could remove the barriers and provide access such as transport, nutrition, adaptive equipment, a supportive environment and a safe space,” she said.
“These included facilities for beach access with a ramp and a beach wheelchair.
“We started removing those barriers by small adjustments.”
Davis then saw the need for research to be done.
“In 2019, I submitted my first research proposal for a Masters in UCT, looking at experience of children with disabilities in South Africa, participating in a surf therapy programme,” she said.
“In 2020 I was accepted for a Master’s programme which was initially five children in a six week programme, and I was interviewing them before the surfing programme one year later.
“We focused on a group on 20 of the volunteers and the parents of the children and the professionals who work with them.
“In 2022, the research was upgraded to a PhD, due to the amount of data that we collected and I submitted my thesis and I graduated now.”
Davis is a qualified chef and holds an Honours Degree in Psychology and Communications and is registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa as a psychological counsellor.
“I have also studied in the field of medical nutrition to assist in helping individuals with disabilities and we have been passionate about making sure we are supporting them nutritionally as well,” she added.
When asked what keeps her moving and motivated, she said it was the difference that they made in the lives of those living with disabilities.
“I think every surf therapy session renews my passion and I know we are building a community,” she said.
“We always knew the impact and the outcome but now there is data, available in South Africa.
“The student who refuses to give up would probably be Raemondo Lessing. He has a very competitive drive.
“There are always challenges but he always has a positive focus.”
Davis is speaking of Lessing, 18, who was featured in the Weekend Argus in 2022 when he competed in the World Para Surf Championships in Pismo Beach California and had been 16 at the time.
During the first year of his life, Lessing was diagnosed with Meningococcal Meningitis, which resulted in the amputation of both his legs, one forearm and a hand.
Raemondo’s mother, Edwina Masulela told Weekend Argus her son was currently in Matric and was proud of what he had achieved because of Roxy’s guidance.
“She (Roxy) has consistently gone above and beyond always striving to make him a better sportsman and perfecting his craft,” she said.
Raemondo said Roxy was his mentor: “Roxy's expertise and unwavering support have propelled me to greatness, earning me the title of 2x South African National Champion and to be able to compete for the National team.
“Her selflessness and dedication have empowered me to conquer international competition.”
Volunteer, Yumnah Suliman, said Davis has had an incredible impact on her life.
“She has been a true inspiration, opening up countless opportunities for my personal and professional growth.
“Roxy’s dedication to upliftment and empowerment within the community has been a wonderful sight to see.
“Her passion and influence continues to positively shape my journey, and I feel fortunate to contribute to such a positive, life-changing mission.”