Welcome
SURFERS FOR AUTISM
Unlocking the potential of children and adults with autism, building awareness and uniting communities through volunteerism.
Surfers For Autism is a 501(c)3 based in Stuart, FL. We provide FREE surf sessions for children and adults with autism and other related developmental delays and disabilities. We host multiple surf events throughout the season, where participants are able make friends, experience something new, unlock unknown potential, as well as mingle with other families in a safe, fun, judgment-free environment. All donations and merchandise sales go to purchasing equipment and keeping our beach events FREE to our participants and families.
Healing Powers of the Ocean
There are studies that show the experience of being in the ocean can be very calming and soothing for those living with autism, as their regular daily routine can sometimes leave them feeling overwhelmed and over stimulated. For some, the transformation is almost instantly seen as their entire body is soothed by the rhythm of the oceans waves.
What Surfers For Autism offers is not a cure BUT rather a form of hydrotherapy. It is an experience where participants get to enjoy the moment with their loved ones as they rise to the challenge of trying something new and achieving it!
How We Began
It was December of 2007 when a simple idea was presented to a small group of South Florida surfers whose lives and families had been touched by autism. The concept of introducing children on the autism spectrum to surfing took hold, and the group began planning for the inaugural Deerfield Beach event.
On April 5, 2008, the inaugural Surfers for Autism event was held on the north side of the Deerfield Beach Pier. Forty surfers with autism, and related developmental delays, hit the water with the assistance of 200 volunteer surf instructors, plus 2,500 supportive onlookers cheering them on.