Surfers For Autism Offers Hope and Healing for Families
Surfing has long been heralded as a therapeutic pastime known for invigorating the mind, body and spirit. In fact, just last month, the United States Navy embarked on a $1 million research study to determine its health benefits for those with PTSD, depression and other neurological disorders.
The benefits of surfing has long been evident for those at Surfers For Autism (SFA), an organization founded in 2007 that provides therapeutic events for individuals with autism and their families. Full-day activities include surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, bounce houses, fire engine tours and more.
SFA events take place in various locations throughout Florida and provide a safe environment for individuals with autism and their families. Up to five instructors take participants out on the water and guide them thorough catching and riding waves. No prior experience is necessary and all events are provided free of charge to participants and their families.
Many life-changing moments and testimonials have emerged from SFA events, including developmentally delayed children speaking for the first time while out on the water.
Below is the schedule for Surfers For Autism events in 2018:
• April 6-7 – 11th Annual South Florida Festival, Municipal Beach, Deerfield Beach, Florida
• May 12 – 9th Annual Festival of the Palm Beaches, Ocean Cay Park, Juno Beach, Florida
• June 9 – 10th Annual Space Coast Beach Festival, Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, Florida
• July 7 – 8th Annual Suncoast Beach Festival, Pass A Grille, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida
• August 4 – 9th Annual Inlet Beach Festival, Ponce Inlet Jetty, Ponce Inlet, Florida
• August 25 – 9th Annual First Coast Beach Festival, Flagler Beach Pier, Flagler Beach, Florida
• September 15 – 3rd 6th Annual Coastal Empire Beach Festival, Tybee beach Pier, Tybee Island, Florida
• October 6 – 9th Annual North Coast Beach Festival, 14th Street North Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Florida
• October 27 – 8th Annual Gulf Coast Beach Festival, Crescent Beach Park, Fort Myers Beach, Florida
If you are interested in attending any of the above events, please contact Surfers For Autism. Volunteers are always needed, even up to the day of each event.
As a word of caution, slots fill up extremely fast, so be sure to keep an eye out for open registration dates for your desired location(s).
For additional information, visit https://www.surfersforautism.org/.