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.
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!
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.
Join us for the Festival of Giving from November 16 to November 23! This year, the Palm City Chamber of Commerce has chosen to support Surfers for Autism through their beautifully decorated tree.
Hosted by the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, the Festival of Giving promises a joyful experience for families while supporting vital causes in our community.
Monday, Nov 18 @ 8am: Networking Breakfast
Tuesday - Thursday @ 4:30 pm - 7:30pm : Open to the public
Friday, Nov 22 @ 6:30pm: Nightmare Before Christmas PJ & Cocktail Party ($75)
Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to give back and celebrate together!
Click here to learn more and to register: https://www.childrensmuseumtc.org/festival-of-giving
Check out this inspiring video featuring our CEO, Moose Brown, where Dr. Fuzzy Harris provided treatment for his TBI and PTSD.
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our SFA chapter in Atlanta, Georgia, made possible by the incredible leadership of Dr. Fuzzy Harris. This chapter will allow us to provide services to our families in GA.
"I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who makes this event possible! The volunteers are amazing and were just as happy as I was to see my son loving every moment of it! Also, when we got home my non verbal son looked right at me and said 'Hi' 😁 We can't wait for next year!"
-Amber Berkompas
"We just attended our first Surfers for Autism event in Jupiter and it was perfect! Our daughter got out of the water after her first time surfing and said, “That was AWESOME!!!!” The event was so well organized and we were so impressed with all of the amazing volunteers who made it possible. Thank you for a day we will never forget!"
-Kristi Long
"My grandson has participate in this event for 3 years. The instructors are always very sweet, kind, and most of all loving. Every year that my grandson participates in an event he is always left with a smile. Thank you to everyone that helps put this event together. You all will never know what it means to me or my grandson see everyone next year!"
-Kerry Register
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.