It’s simply magic. That sounds strange, especially to parents who have a child with autism. Because if we know anything, it’s that there is no magic bullet. EVERYTHING we do in autism requires a ton of work and nothing is easy. But, if there is anything closer to magic than Surfers Healing for calming a child with autism, I don’t know what it is. And I can’t describe it any better than that.
What Is Surfers Healing?
Professional surfer Izzy Paskowitz found that the ocean had a calming effect on his son Isaiah, who has autism. Surfing together gave Izzy a way to connect with him. In 1996 he and his wife Danielle founded Surfers Healing, a surf camp for children with autism. Today, Surfers Healing offers camps across the country (and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Australia) throughout the year, helping thousands of children. You can read more about it, find a camp near you, and support this amazing organization at SurfersHealing.org.
Our First Time
In 2013 we were lucky enough to experience Surfers Healing first hand. The process used to be first-come, first-serve. The camp we are closest to (Belmar, New Jersey) is very popular and would literally close up before I could even finish logging in our information. But 3 years ago we were added from the waiting list (I think because we were first-timers).
It was a chilly Monday morning, and we made the almost two-hour drive not knowing what to expect that day. We hoped that Christopher would like it. We worried that he would he be afraid. And we were terrified that he would freak out. We tried to keep our hopes up but our expectations low. Trick of the autism trade.
Turns out we worried for nothing. It was the most amazing, chill, relaxed experience ever. Christopher was excited to get in the water. He did a great job surfing. He was so tiny (the surfers were calling him “Little Peanut”) that his surfer could hold him up with one hand while expertly maneuvering the waves. It was one of the best days we ever had.
Christopher at Surfers Healing 2013 (I owe someone a photo credit for this, but 3 years later I can’t remember where I ordered the picture from)
The Best Birthday Present
Flash forward to 2016. The process has changed – there is now a week long sign-up for each surf camp and then there is a lottery to choose participants. I marked the sign-up week on my calendar and put reminders on my phone, my computer, and my husband Dave’s phone. We got the good news that Christopher was on the attendee list the morning of his 9th birthday. I think I was happier than if I had won the real lottery.
This year, the event was on a Sunday. This meant we had to were able to bring our other kids. It was an unseasonably warm day for September, perfect for surfing. It was also much more crowded because it was a weekend. But by now we knew to relax and go with the flow. Autism Family Services of New Jersey hosts a free Beach Bash in conjunction with Surfers Healing. Before and after Christopher’s surf time, our family enjoyed the DJ, food, games, and crafts.
Our family at Autism Family Services of NJ‘s 2016 Beach Bash (Photo Credit: Donna Green Photography. Click here for more of Donna’s photos from the event. Thanks Donna!!!)
#OnePerfectDay
Surfers Healing uses the hashtag #OnePerfectDay, and it truly was. Christopher was in the ocean for almost 45 minutes and he caught at least 3 waves. Unlike last time, he made an effort to stay on the board, paddling in and standing up by himself. One time he totally ate it, but he didn’t care at all. He handled being tossed off the board into the waves like a pro. My only regret is not having a zoom lens (since this is the ONLY event I really want it for, I can’t really justify the purchase, but man I would love to have better pictures of his perfect ride). When his turn was over, he tried to run back into the water.
Here is a short video my husband took of Christopher surfing. I think he’s a natural!
Why Am I Sharing This?
Because everyone should know about Surfers Healing. Kind of I don’t want it known, because I want to be able to keep enjoying it, but seriously – every child with autism should experience this event. It is truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. And if you aren’t connected with someone on the autism spectrum, you can still volunteer or monetarily support Surfers Healing. I promise that you don’t need to have a child with autism to be able to see the magic of this event.
I also want to show my sincerest appreciation. Words cannot express my gratitude for Surfers Healing and all the surfers, for the volunteers, for the photographers, and everyone else who makes this event possible. I know that there is whole lot of time and effort behind the scenes of every perfect wave.
Mohala I Ka Wai Ka Maka O Ka Pua
This Hawaiian proverb translates to, “Unfolded by the water are the faces of the flowers.” I think that is apropos of how this event brings peace and joy to our children. I don’t know why it works or how it works. And I don’t need to – because that makes it all the more magical. Instead, I just express my gratitude (and pray that we get into next year’s camp).
Mahalo!
P.S. – I am also sharing this One Perfect Day video with the permission of Coach Bill, Special Educator and Executive Function Skills Coach. Christopher comes in at 3:15. If he looks like he doesn’t want to get in the water, don’t be fooled by how wiggly he is. He was just so excited to surf that he couldn’t contain himself.
My autism journey has changed the way I live and care for my family. I am passionate about nontoxic products, natural remedies, grain-free nutrition, essential oils, and healing the symptoms known as autism. This is a space for anyone aspiring toward cleaner, healthier living.
XO Joanna
