All-Ability Surf program to make Surf Coast debut

A NOT-FOR-PROFIT surf therapy initiative catering to children with autism will make its debut on the shores of the Surf Coast, promoting benefits associated with surf therapy in Victoria’s surfing heartland.

On December 10, Surfing the Spectrum will hold its inaugural event in the region, with some 60 autistic young people expected to participate in a family-friendly event at Anglesea Beach.

“Surfing enables autistic individuals to move fluently in challenging environments. Not only is the ocean a place autistic individuals are often drawn, it can provide respite for their sensory system allowing time for them to connect with their body in a fun, unstructured, exploratory environment,” said Surfing the Spectrum co-founder and director Aimee Blacker.

Surfing the Spectrum events emphasise support to enable families during their visit to the beach, no matter how the child may be feeling.

More often than not, these events can also provide great relief and respite for parents, according to Alina Carol and her son, Aiden, who was reluctant to be part of the program at first. However, Aiden has since fallen in love with surfing.

“Eighteen months ago, Aiden was petrified of the ocean and would scream when we even drove past the beach. Through the programs from Surfing the Spectrum, local therapy services, and other supports, Aiden now has his own surfboard and is an avid surfer,” Ms Carol said.

“He is captivated by the ocean and has found a new sense of self, pride and joy in experiencing the ocean with his family.”

Surfing the Spectrum is also looking to recruit volunteers to help out on the day.

In addition to assistance in the water, support will be needed on the sand, for those who want to help but may not know their way around a board.

Registration for the Anglesea Beach event is open for children with autism and their families and volunteers. Head to surfingthespectrum.org/events