It was December of 2007 when a simple idea was presented to a small group of South Florida surfers whose lives and families have 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.

During the planning stages of the event it was decided that it would be FREE, open to the public, and not classified as a fundraiser. A fundraising element would exist through accepted donations for raffles and event-specific T-shirts; yet we remained unpublished and in the background. A decision to provide entertainment and a catered lunch was also made.

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. The organization has hosted events all over the state of Florida, and abroad. Nearly every event on our tour has maxed out due to reaching our limit of 200 registered participants, 350 volunteers and anywhere from 2,500 to 12,000 beach-goers packing local beaches to witness the wonder and transformation first-hand!

At an SFA event, our surfers provide a safe, fun, judgment-free environment where our volunteer surf instructors carefully guide them into the waves. Our surfers, and their families, are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities! Depending on the location, the day's activities may include stand up paddle boarding, music, face-painting, games, bounce houses, fire engine tours, paint the fire engine and much more! A catered lunch is also provided at ZERO cost to anyone. This is a very special day where children and adults with ASD interact with typical peers, and wow families with their capabilities. These events are beautiful examples of inclusion at the highest level!

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 or even therapy in the traditional sense but rather an experience where participants get to enjoy the moment with their loved one as they rise to the challenge of trying something new and achieving it!

Due to the ongoing 2020 Covid-19 pandemic many things have changed including our outlook for all events through the rest of the year. We are just as unsure as is everyone else is about the future of what public gatherings will look like but as we go through this difficult time we also look forward to being able to serve the families and communities once again. Please remember to adhere to CDC guidelines, be vigilant and stay safe as we look forward to seeing you on the beach again soon.

With more and more events being added to the schedule each year and our growing presence operating in Florida we continue to be blessed by the generosity of our donors, sponsors and volunteers. Thank you for your continued support. There are so many families that have been impacted by the contributions provided to Surfers For Autism by the the donations recieved that it allows us to keep our events at no cost to the families. That means that all of the expenses are covered for each child and their family to attend. We are now, and always have been comitted to keeping our surf events free because we see the impact on the families happiness that a day at the beach on us can bring. 

"It Takes A Village To Raise A Child..."

Interested in finding out ways that you can help by becoming a volunteer for an upcoming event? Sign up today! Without our volunteers we would not be able to serve so many communities. We depend on the support of volunteers like you to ensure that all of our surfers and their families have the best possible experience.

In every community we visit we receive the support of all the local first responders. They are a pivotal part of what we do and we truly appreciate them and the service they provide. Thank you to our local heros!

Surfers For Autism is proud to partner with these fine businesses and organizations. Please contact us if your company or organization is interested in becoming a valued sponsor and we thank you for your support!