Cancer survivor Stephen Downes launches The Dawn Patrol Project to help other people affected by sarcoma rediscover confidence, connection and joy through surfing
Three days at The Wave
A group of sarcoma survivors have spent three days learning to surf at The Wave in Bristol, as part of a new pilot programme created by cancer survivor and two-time English kneeboard champion, Stephen Downes. The experience focused on confidence, connection, fun and rediscovering your body after cancer.
Eight participants took part in the first Surfing through Sarcoma camp, staying together at The Camp at The Wave and taking part in beginner surf lessons over three days, alongside wellbeing activities including meditation and sound baths.
From diagnosis to the water
The pilot was created by Stephen through his new Community Interest Company, The Dawn Patrol Project.
Stephen knows first-hand how important surfing can be when adjusting to life after cancer. In 2022 he was diagnosed with myxofibrosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, more than 20 years after being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent major surgery which removed his entire left arm and shoulder, collarbone, three ribs and part of his chest wall.
Determined to return to the water, Stephen adapted the way he surfed and The Wave became an important part of learning to surf again. He has since become a two-time English kneeboard champion.
Why Stephen created the camp
It was this experience that inspired him to create The Dawn Patrol Project and give other people affected by sarcoma the opportunity to experience the connection, challenge and simple enjoyment he found in the water.
Not about standing up on a board
Stephen Downes said:
"When I came out of hospital I had to work out who I was and what my life was going to look like. Getting back in the water gave me something to work towards and, more importantly, made me feel like me again.
"This Camp wasn't about who could stand up on a board or catch the most waves. It was about eight people who have been through life-changing experiences, getting in the water, laughing, challenging themselves and doing it together.
"I've wanted to create this since I realised what surfing had given back to me. Seeing everyone together at The Wave has been incredibly special."
Water for everyone
The Wave has a long-standing commitment to making the benefits of being in and around water accessible to more people. It works with a range of community groups and organisations as part of its social impact programme and supports ongoing research into the relationship between surfing, blue spaces and wellbeing.
The Wave CEO, Julian Topham, said:
"What Stephen has created is really special because it comes from his own experience and his desire to share something that has meant so much to him."
"We believe being in and around water and spending time outdoors can bring real joy. Seeing this group learning together, encouraging each other and having a lot of fun is exactly why we want The Wave to be a place that feels open to everyone."
Participant experience - In their words
Lucie Matthews, 27 years old from Bristol, said:
“Eight years post-cancer, I hadn't really returned to the water since my diagnosis, largely through fear and uncertainty. This opportunity changed that overnight. The combination of expert coaching, unwavering support, and being surrounded by people who simply understand the complexities of sarcoma gave me the confidence to challenge myself in ways I never expected. Catching those final waves as a group was an emotional reminder that cancer doesn’t define our limits.”
Laura Schwickerath who is from Berlin, Germany, added:
“Surfing Through Sarcoma was deeply healing - healing parts of me that I didn’t know needed healing. I felt welcome with the full range of emotions this diagnosis brings up in me. We gently flowed from one topic to another - heavy and light - with no need to explain. I experienced my body as strong, not broken. I laughed and cried with the most resilient baddies I’ve ever met.”
Camps planned for 2027
Following the success of the pilot, The Dawn Patrol Project is now looking to run further camps in partnership with The Wave in 2027.
Stephen added:
"This pilot couldn’t have gone any better and seeing the group bond, share their experiences and grow in confidence was everything I’d hoped for. I'm now fully focused on funding and running even more Surfing Through Sarcoma camps in 2027.”
Learn more about adaptive surfing at The Wave here.