Everyone sharing the stoke down at Deerfield Beach, FL. Photo: Surfers for Autism
To say surfers are subject to stereotyping is an understatement. For many of those who have never donned boardshorts or paddled out for a wave, surfers are nothing but sun-baked, shaka-waving beach bums who only communicate by using the words gnarly, radical, sick, and brah. While some of those assumptions might be part of the surfing world image and vernacular, it’s not all who we are.
The surf community is like any other. It’s comprised of brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. They are individuals who rep a myriad of nationalities, colors and creeds. They have jobs, responsibilities, worries, problems, hopes and dreams just like anyone else. What is less publicized is the philanthropic work surfers do for their comrades and for others. For example, Surfers For Autism is an organization near and dear to my heart being that two of my three children are autistic. This South Florida-based non-profit uses surfing as a form of therapy for kids, young adults and families who are affected by autism. They work extremely hard to break down barriers and deliver memories on each and every one of their stops. Starting in the late spring and ending in early fall, Surfers for Autism put on several gigs all over Florida, as well as single events in Georgia and Australia.
Double shaka for The Wave Project. Photo: Waveproject.co.uk
In addition to the organizers and sponsors, volunteers show up in droves to put their heart and soul into making each and every event memorable for everyone involved. For the kids with autism, communicating and interacting socially can be a huge struggle. However, catching waves helps them interact and engage on a level that transcends oral communication. But beneath the act of surfing, these events are simply about one unique group of individuals helping another unique group of individuals; each different but unified by the therapeutic motion of the waves. As a frequent participant in these awesome events over the years, I not only appreciate what it has done for my kids, but also what it has done for myself and everyone else who attends. There are many lessons to be learned during the events and the surfers aren’t the only ones doing the teaching. Above all, the utter joy surfing brings to these children is the most heartwarming thing anyone can experience. I know there are similar organizations to Surfers For Autism – plus a multitude of others that support all kinds of great causes and charities – but as these organizations continue to grow, so will the understanding of the true nature of who surfers are. I encourage everyone to try something new and share the stoked by getting involved.
Visit Surfers for Autism and the Wave Project to see how you can get involved.
