Belmar NJ Surfers Healing Autism 2009

We headed off today for a family day at the beach and surfing in Belmar, NJ. Alex took part in a surf camp with Surfers Healing and we attended the Beach Bash by Autism Family Services NJ. It was the first sunny day here after several days of rain. The waves and beaches have been rough lately and I was a bit nervous. Just a week ago a teen was pulled under the waves in Seaside, the undertow is very scary. I know that the surfers are all trained and Surfers Healing does a great job keeping the kids safe, but I was a bit apprehensive this morning. When I saw how rough the waves were, I wondered if they would shut down early like last year.

The Beach Bash was extremely organized right from the sign in. We got wristbands - and also since we were part of the surf camp we got more wristbands that gave us access to the food tent sponsored by Whole Foods. They had music (loud but not blaring, thank you!) , kiddie games, and vendors. I was able to get both kids photo-ids and fingerprinted. Also, there were some gluten free vendors that passed out samples of cookies and crackers (also dairy free). This was good because the lunch tent didn't have as much gluten free food as it has in the past - just your typical sandwhiches and chips, plus fresh fruit that the kids devoured. Both kids also enjoyed Italian Ice samples, that were messy but refreshing.

While we waited for our time to surf they played in the waves and in the sand. Alex has been big on burying himself in the sand this year. I know this is a big sensory thing for him but OMG it is so messy. I think he must have had to go into the water about 100 times just to rinse off and no sooner would he rinse off he was laying back down in the sand again. But, he was having fun and this kept the kids occupied for a long time. It also meant less having to chase them or worry that they were going to be pulled under the rough waves.

When it came time to surf, he got his lifejacket on and waited to be paired up with a surfer. Alex got paired up with "the surfer girl" as she shall be referred to. I didn't catch her name, but he seemed quite tickled to have a very pretty blonde surfer girl! Lucky Boy!

They paddled out and waited to catch their wave.













All the kids and surfers were in a queue and one by one they came in. I was surprised Alex didn't stand up this time as he has in the past with surfers healing. I think he felt more stable and liked to be up close and personal by kneeling!














As you can see, he liked his "Surfer Girl!"














Alex had a big smile on his face, and of all things... a jellyfish in his hand! He was very proud of that jellyfish (yuck) but I made him throw it back into the water. It was probably dead, he didn't get stung - but it isn't something to play with!

Next up, Alex got to go on a jet-ski ride. He was pretty stoked to do this and ran hand in hand with a bunch of lifeguard volunteers when it was his turn.














When they loaded him on, he wanted to kneel up and ride it like a daredevil.














Of course, they didn't let him ride like that! As you can see in the picture, they are almost laying on top of him, to hold him on the board and keep him safe.














Fun times! Alex wanted to do this again after he got off - I can't blame him as it looked like a blast.

Alex love Surfers Healing! Thanks Surfers Healing, and to all the surfers and volunteers who made this a magical day for kids with autism & their families.

For more info: http://surfershealing.org
follow them on twitter @surfershealing
Visit the Surfers Healing Store for fun apparell & accessories

Related Autism & Surfing links

Surfs Up for Kids with Autism in Seaside Park 8/7/09
POAC Autism Surfing at Brick Beach 7/7/09
POAC Autism Surf Outreach in Seaside Park, NJ
The magic of the sea
Just Add Water - Aspergers can't stop Surfer Clay Marzo
Surfers Healing calls it quits early to keep kids safe in Belmar NJ
Autism Surfing Blog Entry - Surfer's Healing
Autism Surfing Blog Entry - POAC Surf Camp at Brick Beach
POAC Surfing Event -Seaside Park August 2008
Surfer's Healing Autistic Children & Their Families
Surfer's Healing Surf Camp Review
Surfer's Healing Surf Camp Review - A Dad's Perspective

Videos my son made about surfing:
Wall-E and Friends Go Surfing and Wall-E Goes Surfing

All posts tagged Autism & Surfing

my daughter's footprint in the sand