salt water and smiles the magic of the mohawk
Scooter is the UK’s only Surf Therapy Dog. A PAT UK therapy dog and PTSD Assistance Dog.
Not for profit CIC 14299378
Scooter's breed is one of a kind. Thats why he can grow the coolest mohawk and surf like no other dog can!
Zuma, Aquatic Rescue Pup Paw Patrol
harness the power of the water
About Us...
Scooter and his Mumma Kirstie have been surfing and paddleboarding together since 2020. Kirstie decided to teach Scooter so the best friends could spend even more time together and spread the "Stoke" with as many people as possible. Scooter is a rescue dog from the streets of Portugal and Kirstie’s Assistance Dog, he’s also a Pets As Therapy UK Dog. He visits patients, staff and visitors at St Richard’s Hospital Chichester, care homes, schools and police stations. He helps children with their reading and confidence as part of the Read2Dogs scheme. Scooter has his own Beach School. Scooter and his team of paw some volunteers run Adapted Surf sessions from their brand new hub with their friends 2XS at West Wittering Beach.
They have specially adapted surfboards for children and people with additional needs. The team are also able to adapt the sessions for participants with learning difficulties or Neurodiversity. The aim, to raise awareness of Mental Health and the benefits of salt water therapy. Scooter also works with The Wave Project, a nationwide charity supporting children and young people who experience a range of physical and mental health issues, social deprivation or social isolation. Scooter has an Adapted Surfboard and beach wheelchair so physically disabled kids can ride with him too. Kirstie is a Mental Health First Aider, Peer Support trained and has diplomas in Children and Young Person’s Mental Health and Understanding Autism. Kirstie is also a qualified Beach School Teacher, fully insured and DBS checked.
Scooter and Kirstie are available to attend schools and groups to give talks, meet and greets and book readings upon request.
Scooter has a children's book called "Scooter the surfing dog finds his forever home"
Scooter's Beach School
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR BEACH SCHOOL SESSIONS
Do you run a pre school or primary school, club or group in the Witterings area?
Want to introduce Beach School to your curriculum?
Beach School gives children an opportunity to develop their skills of independence and teamwork, using the outdoor environment and building an awareness of the beach and sea. At Scooter's, Children are able to develop their knowledge and understanding of the ocean, planet and wildlife, build confidence and resilience and learn how its cool to be kind, dope to be different and ok not to be ok. Price £20 per hour.
How can we help?
Spending time outdoors and in particular at the beach and in the water has been scientifically proven to help with our mental health. It reduces blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels while improving feelings of well-being, increasing serotonin, confidence, resilience and alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Kirstie and Scooter work with children and young people who may be experiencing anxiety, bullying, loneliness or be on the autistic spectrum as well as those with special needs and disabilities on a 1-2-1 bespoke basis.
Contact Kirstie for more information and to discuss options. We are a not for profit CIC. and prices start at just £20 PP.
HOW CAN YOU HELP KEEP SMILES ON FACES?
We rely on donations and sponsorship. If you'd like to help please send money to
Scooter Surf Therapy Dog CIC
Natwest A/C No 81166192 S/C 60-03-08
We also rely on volunteers to help run sessions with the Adapted Surfboard. You do not need to be able to surf, just be kind, patient, open to DBS checks and not mind getting wet!
Beach Wheelchair (that floats!)
Beach Wheelchair
We are very pleased to announce the arrival of our brand new Beach Wheelchair. Not only does it have super fat tyres to get people down to the water, it has floats so you can actually go into the sea whilst still in the chair. This is a game changer for so many less able adults and children and we are going to offer to hire the chair out to locals and their visitors during times it’s not needed for our adapted surfing sessions. The prices are £10 per hour, £25 for 4 hours or £40 for 8 hours. A deposit of £50 cash and photo ID will also be required which will be returned upon wheelchair being returned in one piece. In order to book the wheelchair please email kirstie@scootersurftherapydog.co.uk or use the WhatsApp link. The chair will be brought to you at Billy’s car park Bracklesham Bay and will be returned there too. The chair is used entirely at your own risk and you will be asked to sign an insurance waiver. At least 2 helpers are advised to manoeuvre the chair up and down the stones. Any questions please ask.
Wave Project
Who are the Wave Project?
We are very proud to work with The Wave Project. The Wave Project supports children and young people aged between 8-21 who experience a range of physical and mental health issues, social deprivation or social isolation.
Check them out at https://www.waveproject.co.uk
How does it work?
Young people attending 6 week courses are supported through surfing to build confidence and self esteem, develop resilience and make friends.
Why Surfing?
Over the last 10 years surf therapy has become an established form of therapeutic support for both mental and physical health. It is recognised by the NHS in the UK as an effective form of therapy for children, young people and adults at risk of mental ill-health.
Add in a therapy dog for added comfort and support and you have a perfect mix for success.
BEACH SCHOOL
Kirstie is a qualified Beach School Teacher.
Beach School uses the coast as a platform for a whole new learning experience. We provide children with the opportunity to explore their natural surroundings in an organised and safe setting. Our sessions are fluid and allow the children to follow their instinctive curiosity whilst meeting their learning and developmental needs through the natural world.
No 2 sessions are ever the same!
According to a survey in 2018 just under 1 in 5 children have never set foot on a beach and 75% of UK children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates!!! We believe its so important to get children outside, away from smartphones and computer games experiencing and enjoying nature.
We also belive its important to teach children the importance of saving our planet at a young age and how the oceans play a key part in this mission.
The Benefits of Beach School
1. Helps children develop social skills by engaging in group activities and working together.
2. Encourages Children to be independent
3. Helps build confidence by taking small well thought out risks and trying new things.
4. Developing physical skills. Activities like picking up seaweed or shells are working fine motor skills, stamina and gross motor skills. A good run around on the beach is fun and encourages fitness.
5. Gets children motivated, engaged and improves concentration by focussing on specific tasks.
If you would like to organise Beach School sessions for your school, or youth group send us a weemail to discuss your options. We can do regular sessions or one off.
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Scooter’s Merch
Check out our cool range of Doggy Hoodies and Tees. For general walkies, a Pawty, pint down the pub or to warm up after a surf, treat your doggo to these 1of a kind bespoke garments.
Sizes to fit teeny tiny pups to great big mutts.
visit https://witteringpromoworx.co.uk/retail-shop/ols/categories/scooters-surf-school