The Port of Milford Haven and Blue Horizons Surf School are proud to announce a new partnership that enables wheelchair users access to the Milford Haven Waterway.

The monthly boat trips are enabling more people to safely enjoy the waterway and the associated wellbeing benefits that ‘blue spaces’ bring.

The Port of Milford Haven’s community outreach programme focuses on providing opportunities for young people, enjoyment of the waterway and promoting skills and jobs. The boat trips, which are on board a vessel provided by Dale Sailing in Neyland, will take small groups to explore the different areas of the Milford Haven Waterway. Each trip is adapted to the needs of those attending to ensure it’s a safe space to socialise and explore.

Blue Horizons Surf School is a Community Interest Company offering surf lessons, beach days and coastal exploration for children and adults in Pembrokeshire.

The surf school’s Ollie Bird said: “The inspiration for these boat trips in Pembrokeshire was born from listening to individuals and families… to understand what was needed to make a boat trip truly accessible. The trips give everyone the opportunity to safely and comfortably experience the open seas, seeing a different aspect of our beautiful coastline and learning about our fascinating waterway.

“Feedback has shown it has positively impacted so many in varied ways; the calming effects of watching the water swirl by, the salt air helping bring a better night's sleep, the support of a team onboard and the company of like-minded people allowing them the chance to relax and enjoy an adventurous activity together.

“Every trip has a unique story to tell and we feel very privileged to be a part of it.”

Port of Milford Haven Coxswain Graham Howells added: “After a conversation with a friend whose son has cerebral palsy and autism, it became apparent that accessible adventure activities in Pembrokeshire were severely limited. The idea that we might be able to get people and their carers out on a warm dry boat was met with great enthusiasm by all partners concerned.”

For more information, contact Blue Horizons CIC Surf Club on Facebook.