The subject of yesterday’s post was the Ride-a-Wave Foundation (RAW) , a Santa Cruz, California-based organisation that helps kids with special needs (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders) build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing and bodyboarding. Founded in 1998 by Danny Cortazzo, a firefighter, paramedic, and lifeguard, the Ride-a-Wave Foundation has been praised for the great efforts of its volunteers…
…I’m surprised no one else has shared the wonders of what it is that makes Ride A Wave so amazing.
For a few weeks every spring/summer, Ride A Wave hosts children and adults with a range of disabilities from all over California to participate in the wonders of the Pacific Ocean at Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz.
On any given weekend in May or June, you will see a host of volunteers aiding in great kayaking, boogie boarding and surfing times! You don’t have to be a water person to volunteer either. RAW is a completely volunteer based organization, and we can use you no matter what your skill set is. We always need folks on the beach to help keep our “campers” comfortable and safe. Sometimes it’s just about being someone’s special friend for the day.
And trust me when I say this is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I’ve helped calm the nerves of an Autistic child get over his fears of the water to watch him completely wig out at how cool kayaking can be (and then not want to leave the boat, but that’s another story).
…Ride A Wave is outfitted to handle the most challenging of disabilities, and we try and accommodate everyone who comes to our camps. Regardless of how much is going on in your life, I always ask people to just come down for a day and check us out. I promise you will leave completely changed.
Here is a link to a video of a Ride-a-Wave Foundation kayaking event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBMbTNAiBE
(sources: http://coastviewsmag.com/ride-a-wave-danny-cortazzo ’s-gift-to-children-with-special-needs; Ride-A-Wave - Santa Cruz, CA )