Ocean Heroes helping kids with autism learn to surf

A DEDICATED group of instructors and volunteers at Ocean Heroes is breaking down barriers for kids with autism by teaching them how to surf at beaches around the country.

Its next event will be held at Flat Rock Beach on Saturday, June 21.

The national group has helped more than 9000 families, with the free event coming to Ballina for the first time.

It follows previous events at Byron Bay and Lennox Head, which were supported by local and visiting volunteers.

Event organiser Lachlan McArthur has been involved as a volunteer and now helps run the program.

“My older brother has autism, and we’ve always used the ocean to connect and be ourselves,” he said.

“I started out as a volunteer when I was a lifeguard and now I’m helping deliver the program.

“We rely on volunteers, and we can’t have the impact we want to have without them.

“There is a core group that comes along to our regional events and helps train up new people.”

The group provides boards, wetsuits and life jackets for the participants.

The kids are paired with an experienced surfer who helps build their confidence before getting in the water.

“It’s very rewarding and one of the great things is how the local community gets around it,” McArthur said.

“We provide all the equipment and training, but the volunteers do a lot of the legwork, too.

“There has been a lot of interest from community members who want to lend a hand, as well as local businesses, schools and care providers.”

McArthur said many of the participants face safety and other barriers which keep them away from the beach.

“We ask them to fill out a form beforehand and often the response is ‘once a year’ or ‘never’,” he said.

“Ocean Heroes are that bridge between people who want to get to the beach but don’t feel they have an avenue to do it.

“We’re the first step in that connection, helping them access it more regularly.”

People can register for the event at events.humanitix.com/ocean-heroes-ballina-21st-june-2025.