Photo: Surf’s Up
“The sun was shining and the surf was small enough for most the kids to get some green in the line up!” – Dennis Nerpio, Founder of Surf’s Up Surf Camp, Tofino, British Columbia
With a little more than two days remaining in their Indiegogo capital campaign, Surf’s Up Autism Surf Camp have surpassed their goal: raising over $2,350 or 10% of their goal. But there is more help to be had! What is the money going towards? Hosting autistic children and their families for a day of surf action and beach filled fun.
The Surf’s Up Camp in Tofino, British Columbia is a grassroots initiative started by Dennis Nerpio, whose son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, at age four. Dennis, a surfer himself, took his son to the beach one day about five years ago, and discovered something magical: not only did his son enjoy the beach, but surfing with his dad took him out of the context of being an autistic child and provided him a new sense of freedom.
Dennis was inspired by his son and wanted other children with autism to experience the same. He set a date, began making phone calls, and about one year later, Surfs Up surf camp was off to a start (note: the first year, Dennis forgot the apostrophe, and this is a running joke).
Everyone loves the event, held at Cox Bay Beach on Vancouver Island in the late summer when the waves are small and manageable and the water is warm. Well, it’s still Canada, so not that warm!
Surf’s Up began 2014 with a plan to have 36 kids with autism plus their siblings for a one-day surf camp. The event has gained attention over the years, and as the wait list grew, reaching 30 families, Dennis decided to ramp it up. Surf’s Up added an extra day and opened up twelve more spots for kids with ASD.
Photo: Marcus Paladino
One autism therapist and one surf instructor is assigned to each family. Each child is guided on the waves for an hour of surf. They may sit on the front of a longboard with a lifevest, or be pushed into waves by themselves close to the shore, depending on what suits them best. A total of 90 kids participated in this year’s event, including siblings surfing. Dennis and the organizing team felt that including siblings was important, to help both build a bond and share in on the fun. Siblings often get left out of the fun things that their brother or sister with ASD get to do… but Surf’s Up is an inclusive event that encourages participation from the whole family.
The event continues growing with raving reviews from the participants. The event is described as one of the best of the year, with magical moments of joy and freedom. Surf’s Up allows the children and the families to be free of concern and to “let loose,” to enjoy the exhilarating fun of the waves. It’s that simple.
“I think being in an environment where the kids are accepted and not judged and encouraged by everyone surrounding them is special,” Dennis explains. “At the end of the day when we give out awards for all the kids including the siblings they are just stoked!”’
Photo: Eric Eichberger
Given the prevalence of autism — the neurological developmental disorder that affects one in 68 children in our country — few people seem to talk about it on a regular basis unless they are personally affected by it. I first learned of autism in high school; I participated in an after school program with autistic children to help them develop social skills. And then I learned more in college as my linguistics teacher discussed the complexity of the disorder and the variety of symptoms.
Very little was known about autism in the early 2000s, and today there is still much to be discovered. This is a disorder where people struggle to communicate, and to feel or express emotion. Families dealing with autism are faced with countless challenges in everyday life, and it’s not easy to find an activity that pleases a whole group of children with Autism given the complexity of the disorder and the wide variety of sensory aversions. Though it may be surprising to most, surfing is one such activity. Surf’s Up allows the kids and families to build community and increase awareness while having an awesome time surfing and playing beach games.
The free event is supported by sponsorships from organizations such as Rip Curl and Harmony House, a Center for Autism research and therapy. This past year included over three hundred people total, including children, parents, instructors and volunteers. Today, Surf’s Up is raising money via Indiegogo. The $1500-plus covers operations for the event, upwards of $15,000; this includes board rentals, wetsuits, food and beverage.
Photo: Courtesy of Chris Callahan
To support Surf’s Up Surf Camp, be sure to check out the Indiegogo campaign.
Chris Callahan is a cofounder of Surfr App, an iOS app that helps surfers document their surfing lives. Chris is also a founder and director of Startup Palm Beach, an entrepreneur resource network in West Palm Beach, Florida.
