South Shields cystic fibrosis sufferer says surfing has changed his life and helped boost his health and wellbeing

Adam Ball, 25, was born with the inherited condition – which causes a build-up of thick mucus in the body’s passages and leads to lung infections, as well as problems with digestion, and can worsen with age.

Like other residents living with health conditions of similar severity, Mr Ball was advised to shield with the outbreak of Covid-19 in the UK this March.

As restrictions began to ease, catching the waves along South Tyneside’s coastline became more important than ever to the young adult – now also forming part of his coping strategies during this year’s pandemic.

He told The Gazette how, before any social or mental health benefits that come with the activity, the saltiness of the sea environment has led to measurable improvements in both his lung function and wider wellbeing by helping clear build-ups.

"Surfing has been one of the only things that has made me feel comfortable during all the uncertainty and anxiety produced by the pandemic,” he said.

"You’re away from people, it’s isolated out there, and being in the water has such a positive impact for me both mentally as well as physically in terms of my chest.

"Some of the treatments you undergo with cystic fibrosis are salt-based, as they help loosen up your chest. So I think the combination of all the exercise you’re doing - swimming, paddling etc – and being out there in the salty water and air really helps make it such a positive activity for someone like me.

"And I know the effects it has on my lungs – you can see it when my performance is measured at the hospital.”

Moreover, the sport has opened up a new social group for Adam - although he says the uptake in the area is something he hopes can be built on in 2021.

Mr Ball explained: "I got into it around eight or nine years ago. I’ve always been one for the outdoors and obviously I grew up next to the seaside.

"It’s a really welcoming and open bunch of people who are out there on the water, for the most part. And I think the time and patience it takes to get going on surfboard helps equip you with a certain degree of mental strength.

“Apart from anything else, I just feel refreshed after a session in the water. So I’d love for more people to be able to do it and help build up more a community in the area around it.”

Aided by a thus-far positive response to the Kaftrio medicine used to treat certain patients living with cystic fibrosis, the 25-yer-old is hoping to boost his time spent on the shoreline in the new year.

He added: "During the first lockdown, when everything was all new and I wasn’t allowed to leave the house, I couldn’t really do it at all.

"But as restrictions began to ease, I started getting back out on the water and surfing more and more. And so far the treatment is having great results.

"Hopefully this means more surfing!”

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