“We’re All Very Grateful”: An Exceptional Surfing Program Is Healing Autistic Children With the Power of Waves

As calm waves pounded on the beachfront, another set of surfers arrived for their fun adventure. Surfing is a unique sensation that makes your pulse beat quicker and plunges you into the uncertainties that life brings like nothing else. Anyone who enjoys surfing can attest to their love of the activity and the ultimate peace they have never felt before. While divided by differences, many people find themselves limiting thrills in their lives. But for an aficionado, these barriers only serve as a challenge for the introduction of how it’s done.

Nearly two decades ago, a pro surfer overcame one of these barriers at Virginia Beach, becoming a trailblazer in introducing the joys of water to autistic children through her journey. This concept has expanded in scope and depth over time, transcending borders and generating numerous success stories. As the upcoming surfing day approaches, the kids are eager to create yet another cherished core memory.

Surfing Initiative makes yet another exciting return

Beach Healing, a non-profit organization that teaches children with autism to surf, makes its annual return of wonderful surfing event. Founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz, the NGO aims to bring together families with differently-abled kids introducing them to unforgettable surfing experiences. It was hosted this weekend on August 18–19, between 4th and 5th Streets located in the resort area close to the oceanfront. The Director of Surfers Healing, Scott Cohen put out the word to welcome families to their event while talking to Military News. She recalled, “It’s heartwarming, every year to see the looks on the parents’ faces.”

Cohen went on to share the experiences of whenever the kids walk in the water, hop on a surfboard with their volunteer surfers, and enjoy the waves. Her words were perfectly articulated to transport the listener into her recollections of events with autistic kids. She concludes by saying, “we’re all very grateful.” This weekend promises to be the best surfing weekend ever for the kids since it was founded in the Hampton Roads area 18 years ago. In addition, there will also be food, entertainment, local vendors, and a 5K run.

Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz, one of the co-founders, expressed his excitement by simply declaring, “It’s why I’m on this planet.” He continued, adding further in-depth information on the surf event, and said that the two-day Virginia Beach program averages roughly 220 kids each day, per camp. There are also a lot of activities and knowledge booths set up making it a great occasion. While the Paskowitz couple keeps up with their surf tradition, they continue to inspire many through their inspiration behind the noble project.

Surfing story that’s benefitting autistic kids

Israel and Danielle Paskowitz started the organization, Surfers Healing, back when their middle child was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. He frequently had sensory overload—simple sensations may overwhelm him as they do for many autistic kids. When they took their son Isaiah surfing for the first time he seemed to find relief near the water. That fact served as the impetus for Izzy and his wife Danielle to establish a charity organization devoted to bringing autistic children out onto the waves.

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The couple decided they wanted to spread the word about this special form of treatment, and even started hosting day camps at the beach. The autistic kids and their families would join them in learning about surfing for the first time. Not many know Izzy is a pro surfer who has defeated many elite competitors in the past and started surfing pro in 1983. To say their story is amazing would be an understatement. It is the kind of wonderful story that continues to benefit autistic children to discover the purpose of life.

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