Every now and then we take a booking that we know is going to be interesting and even more rewarding than usual. Over the next few weeks we will be working with some autistic youngsters and helping them into their first few waves as part of the Wave Project. This group was set up in 2010 to help disadvantaged young adults and children experience the joy of surfing and is going from strength to strength.
We have worked with autistic children in the past and while it can be challenging the vast majority enjoy themselves and get a lot from the experience. Autism, from what I have seen, is certainly no barrier to a full and rewarding life in and out of the water. In fact one of my favourite surfers, Clay Marzo, has Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism and you could argue that it has made him the surfer he is today. Certainly his trait of laser intense focus is one I wish were my own. And boy can he surf.
Without wanting to delve into the mawkish depths of hippy mumbo-jumbo the sea can be a healing environment that can bring the best out of anyone.
It’s one of the reasons we love surfing isn’t it?
But back to the Wave Project. Obviously to do these lessons in a safe manner takes more man-power than usual so if you would like to get involved you can volunteer your time and help out. You’ll even get some money for your travel expenses.
You can get in touch with them at info@waveproject.co.uk
