Spread the love

Surfing the Spectrum is a non profit, community-based surfing initiative, connecting people with autism to the ocean environment, teaching the participants ocean awareness and promoting the benefits of surf therapy.

This is the 3rd event of the 2019/20 Surfing the Spectrum Summer Series, targeting regional towns along the NSW
East Coast. Rusty Moran from Gerringong Surf School has been an advocate and supporter of surf therapy in the industry and has provided the voluntary support and equipment required to be able to bring this event to Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa.

On Saturday November 2nd, it is expected that 60 families of children with Autism will attend the event at Seven Mile
Beach to learn new skills and try out surfing. With limited services often available in this area, Surfing the Spectrum
hopes the event will allow the local autism community an opportunity that is frequently not made accessible to
them.

Co-Founder, Director and paediatric occupational therapist, Aimee Blacker states:

“Our awareness of the space around us is something we take for granted. For most of us, our balance, vision and posture take care of themselves, but for people with Autism, their sensory systems are a continuous challenge, as they are constantly overloaded by sensory input.”

“Surfing enables those with Autism to learn to move fluently in challenging environments. The ocean provides respite from the constant attack their senses experience every day, allowing time for them to connect with their body in a fun, unstructured, exploratory environment.”

“This event also includes the siblings of children with Autism, as we understand the sacrifices, time and love they put aside for their brother or sister with additional needs, often missing out on the joy of events such as this.”

Parents from previous events have expressed their enjoyment, stating:

“A last-minute decision turned out to be one of our best mornings ever at the beach. We are super grateful for all the wonderful volunteers, surfers & organisers of Surfing the Spectrum. There were smiles all round from everyone.”

Watch the three minute promotional video here: https://youtu.be/7uI17QH9Ubo