Sharing the joy of surfing, ‘one ride at a time’

Surfers Healing, a California-based nationwide nonprofit founded nearly 30 years ago, shares the joy of surfing with thousands of children with autism and other disabilities.

The organization had 6,000-plus participants in its surfing camps last year alone.

Yet, it doesn’t think in thousands.

“We think in ones because that’s where we can effect change,” says the Surfers Healing website. “One child. One family. One day at the beach.”

The 16th annual Surfers Healing Camp for Big Island keiki with autism and other disabilities and their ‘ohana is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo.

The camp provides children with the unique experience of surfing with professionals under supervised conditions.

Knowledgeable surfing instructors, surfboards and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests will be provided at no charge. Complementary drinks, snacks and lunches will also be offered to participating keiki and their family members.

Sharing surfing and enriching the lives of people who might otherwise not have the opportunity is the mission of Surfers Healing.

That mission is the result of just one child — Isaiah, son of the nonprofit’s founders former professional surfer Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz and his wife Danielle.

Isaiah has autism. Catching waves with his father were the best remedy to calm him down when his senses became overloaded or he had a meltdown.

“Not everyone has a championship surfer for a dad. Bummer,” the Surfers Healing website says. “So the Paskowitz family invited others to join them at the beach.”

Surfers Healing Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Island chapter of the nationwide nonprofit, is hosting and sponsoring Saturday’s camp.

Additional support is being provided through a partnership with Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation, The Eddie Aikau Foundation, Somers West, Bay View Banyan and Double Good.

An estimated 200 people, including about 60 keiki, are expected to participate in the Hilo camp. Surfers Healing camps are conducted around the world every year, giving children with autism and other disabilities a chance to ride the waves.

To register your child and learn more about the camp, visit the Surfers Healing website. Space is limited, so register today.

“Join us as we keep making a difference, one ride at a time,” the Surfers Healing website says.

News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.