On Saturday, November 11, 2017 A Walk On Water (a California-based nonprofit surf therapy organization) held a day of surf therapy for more than 115 special needs children and adults along with their families at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kedis and pro surfer Courtney Conlogue even showed up for the celebration.
Over 115+ athletes participated in surf therapy heats, 200 volunteers and 40 experienced instructors who helped them safely navigate the waves and guided them safely in and out of the ocean. Families, supporters, partners and media filled the beach to cheer on these athletes as they rode some of the most ideal waves and experienced the most beautiful weather conditions than we could’ve imagined. . . The athletes along with their families enjoyed a day of positive energy, cheers, some tears of happiness, restoration and experienced the true healing powers of the ocean.
For the official word from A Walk on Water, please follow the jump.
“A Walk on Water” Closes 2017 Surf Season in Malibu
With Surf Therapy Day Event on Nov. 11
Special Needs Children and their Families Experience Unforgettable Day of
Surf Therapy and Restoration at Surfrider Beach
Anthony Kedis is pictured with A Walk on Water (AWOW) athlete Grace Gerenser (photo credit: Cat Gregory).
Celebrities including Anthony Kedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), “Below Deck” stars Adam Glick and Sandy Yawn, musician Matt Costa, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, World Championship Tour top-ranked pro surfer Courtney Conlogue, surf legend Allen Sarlo along with AWOW’s surfing ambassa-dog Haole supported AWOW athletes as surf instructors, meeting and greeting with them, and/or assisted with the day’s festivities. Please note that all kids participating in surf therapy are referred to as athletes they have been called “special needs” all their lives.
Over 115+ athletes participated in surf therapy heats, 200 volunteers and 40 experienced instructors who helped them safely navigate the waves and guided them safely in and out of the ocean. Families, supporters, partners and media filled the beach to cheer on these athletes as they rode some of the most ideal waves and experienced the most beautiful weather conditions than we could’ve imagined. . . The athletes along with their families enjoyed a day of positive energy, cheers, some tears of happiness, restoration and experienced the true healing powers of the ocean.
Pre event details:
Malibu, Calif. – A Walk on Water (AWOW), a California-based nonprofit surf therapy organization, returns to Surfrider Beach, Malibu on Saturday, November 11 to provide a day of surf therapy for children and adults with special needs, along with their families. From 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., athletes and guests are invited to gather at First Point (the break closest to Malibu Pier) to check in for a day at the beach that will include: surfing, relaxation, healthy food and beverages, arts and crafts, yoga, massage therapy and more. Each session (morning and afternoon) will conclude with an awards ceremony, recognizing participating athletes and their families.
“We are looking forward to returning to Malibu for a powerful day of healing and celebrating with the courageous kids, adults and families as they experience the restorative power of the ocean through surf therapy,” said Steven Lippman, president, AWOW. “This year, we held more events than ever before, reaching more families than previously possible, and it has been spectacular to witness. From water safety to bystanders, everyone at the beach gets to be part of it, cheering on these incredible kids and adults, making the day special for the families. The Malibu surfing community continues to be a welcoming safe haven for our athletes and the perfect location to conclude our 2017 slate.”
“We have been a part of AWOW for about five years and it has felt like a family from the very first time we attended an event. We were treated to a ‘typical’ day at the beach in an extraordinary way – it’s a beautiful day of triumphs and positivity for families who are sometimes limited to what they CAN’T do because of our special needs kids. And, this is something we CAN do because of them,” said Lisa Hutson, parent of AWOW Athlete Leo. “This amazing opportunity is given to us because of the selfless, giving spirit of hundreds of people volunteering and donating. The athletes feel like rockstars and the families get to see that, possibly for the first, and maybe the only time, for their child. It’s awesome beyond words.”
The November 11 Surf Therapy Day marks the fifth event AWOW has hosted in Malibu since 2014, and the final event in the organization’s 2017 surf season. It is one of five communities on either the east coast (Montauk, N.Y.) or west coast (Malibu, Ventura, Santa Cruz, Huntington Beach) that welcomed and nurtured AWOW events in 2017.
Special guests and friends of the organization will include AWOW Ambassa-dog Haole the surfing Labrador Retriever who will be supporting on November 11, along with others. Past AWOW
