Long Beach Students Participate in Surfer's Healing Event

It was a fine fall day on Sept. 12 as Surfer's Healing Surf Camp hosted a special day of wave riding at the Lido West Town Beach in Lido Beach.

Assisted by Surfers Healing instructors, the students set off on longboards to ride the waves and experience the healing powers of the ocean as their families and teachers cheered them on.

Fifteen members of the Long Beach High School surf team volunteered at the event, coaching the participants and handing out medals.

Surfers Healing is a national organization founded by Izzy Paskowitz that hosts day camps at the beach where children with autism and their families can be exposed to the therapeutic benefits of surfing. Sharon Snyder and Bob Kolonkowski are the local coordinators of Surfers Healing, which has been partnering with the Town of Hempstead to host local surf camp events for approximately 10 years.

As educational as it is fun, surfing can challenge participants to overcome fears, build trust, establish relationships, enhance gross motor skills and listen to directions.

Information provided by Rosemary Leonetti of Syntax.