POAC Autism Surf Outreach in Seaside Park, NJ

Alex is making the Autism Surfing circuit, today marked surfing #5 for him on the Jersey Shore. Today's Surf Camp was sponsored by POAC along with Sea of Change, No Flat Earth with volunteers from Christian Surfing. Over 100 kids surfed in just 3 hours - the kids got goodie bags with caps and other goodies and the autistic children all went home with a really cool T-shirt.

Today's surf started out a bit rocky for us, but ended on a high note. When we got to the beach Alex got a bit nervous and took a bit of coaxing into the ocean. This is surprising because normally when we get anywhere near the ocean he is practically stripping and running into the water to feel the waves. He started out with quick lesson in the sand from our surfer's Jenna and Andrew. And what a great team they were - just perfect for our Alex.

Alex headed to the water with opposition.... today he was in a "No Mode" as he often is. With Alex, a lot of the time No means Yes. So, I pushed him - I knew he could do it and he wanted to. Today was my lucky day... he insisted on me going in with him, which I wasn't totally prepared for. Daddy was wearing the bathing suit, I just had on bathing suit shorts and a tank top - so much for that. At least it was a dark color since I got totally soaked in the waves and was in up to my neck. Now that is love.. Alex. I don't go into the ocean (with jellyfish) for just anyone, kiddo.

Once he got in deep enough that the waves were taking him for a ride whether he liked it or not (he loved it), he decided to give the surfboard a try.

When Alex has surfed with Surfer's Healing the past 3 years - the pro surfer actually takes the child out on the board and rides the wave in - tandem style. Each year we've gone the camp has gotten more and more crowded and the experience has gotten shorter and shorter - still awesome and something we look forward to attending next month when they come to Belmar, NJ. POAC surfing is similar to Surfer's Healing in that autistic children get to take to the waves - but the flavor is different. The events are smaller, more low key, less crowded, and the entire family is included. Their surf days actually remind me a lot of our first Surfer's experience in 2005 which was their first time in NJ - since then the event has gotten enormous in NJ - not surprising since the Autism rate in NJ is highest at 1 in 94 vs the national 1 in 150.

At last month's POAC Brick Beach surf, Alex got to try standing on the board all by himself (well the board was surrounded by no less than 4 surfers/hunky lifeguards) making sure he was safe. Today - he got to try surfing on the board all by himself (with help), his 2 surfers Jenna & Andrew played 'monkey in the middle' tag-team with him. Alex sat on the board facing the beach so that the waves in his face were minimized with Andrew at one end of the board and Jenna at the other. They would take him out into the ocean - it wasn't real deep (maybe waist/chest high) and then when the wave came in they'd let him ride the board in "like a pony" until he fell off or made it all the way in. Some kids stood up, other's belly surfed, some sat - it was all good. Here's how Alex did it best - Alex loved it and it was hard to believe this was the same kid who was fighting us about getting wet for what seemed to be an eternity (was probably more like 15 very long minutes). Even falling off, getting drenched, going under, salt water in the eyes and mouth.. he tried it again...

.... and again.

He Smiled.

He Laughed.

It was Magical.

....Oh, so those Jellyfish that I mention which is the reason why I stay out of the ocean normally - they got him. So, then he was done.

Alex was a bit upset about the jellyfish and wanted a band-aid. I didn't have one but since they were passing out potato chips and Lay's Chips are "safe" (gfcf) all things were righted.

After warming up and some juice and snacks he headed back out into the water to play, and splash, and smile. Even baby sister Belle who is usually extremely fearful and afraid to go into the waves enjoyed the sand bar and rocked the waves in her cute little pink polka dot bikini.

When we got home she told us that when she gets bigger she is going to be a good surfer "just like Alex".

Alex is her hero, and he's mine too.

Thanks POAC and our surfers Andrew and Jenna... from Alex and from all of us. What a memory you've made. You really are "Making a Difference Today".

More articles about Alex's Autism Surfing Adventures:
Autism Surfing Blog Entry - Surfer's Healing
Autism Surfing Blog Entry - POAC Surf Camp at Brick Beach
Surfer's Healing Autistic Children & Their Families
Surfer's Healing Surf Camp Review
Surfer's Healing Surf Camp Review - A Dad's Perspective