There have already been a number of surfing-related posts, for example on the organisations Surfer’s Healing and Surfers for Autism .
Another organisation that has hosted a surf camp for Autistic children is the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD ). The Center is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Autism and related disabilities…
A television documentary in early 2008 inspired Julio Magrisso, Assistant Director for the city of Miami Beach Parks & Recreation Department, to pursue the idea of a surf camp for children with autism…
…The weeklong event also mixes in a curriculum that focuses on swimming skills, basic oceanography, meteorology, open-water surfing, and, most importantly, the children’s abilities.
The camp–now in its fifth year–has proven its success as parents witness the rewards for their children.
“It is so moving to see him on the board, and to see the look of fun and determination on his face,” says Hilda Mitrani, the mother of a camper. Mitrani admits she is in awe after seeing her son actually surf, and she realizes the importance of this milestone in his life.
…The camp provides a one-to-one supervision ratio, as each child has his or her unique challenges to which the instructor must adapt. In addition, the city’s Ocean Rescue Department allocates an area on the beach to accommodate the group.
“Watching these kids ride waves for the first time is an amazing feeling. It is so rewarding to see the smiles on their faces,” says Magrisso.
“At first, some seem fearful of trying something new, but our incredible city staff, the staff from CARD, and volunteers work hard to help the participants feel comfortable.”
The surf camp, which is made possible in part by the support of many local sponsors like Quiksilver, the Surf Rider Foundation, and the Autism Society of Miami-Dade County, is free to all participants…
Here is a link to a video of an earlier edition of a ‘UM-NSU CARD Surf Camp’ in Miami Beach: UM-NSU CARD Surf Camp Miami Beach - YouTube
(source: Ride The Wave | Northstar Publishing )