Sierra Blogging Post Archives

I used to work for an equestrian-assisted therapy program where children with autism and developmental delays found solace on the backs of horses. It was incredible to watch their faces light up when they took the reins.

The Surf for All foundation, a nonprofit organization that teaches children with disabilities to surf, celebrates similar successes.


Surf for All boosts self esteem and gives coastal kids a healthy outlet for fun. Children with disabilities ranging from near-blindness to autism are having a great time learning to surf and learning positive lessons about self image at the same time. They may not be in control of much in their lives, but when they're on the surfboard they're in control of the wave.

"It's a thrill of feeling yourself in a situation where you have control and you are working with nature to get some pleasure and enjoyment, and that's what surfing is all about," says Harvey Weisenberg, 50-year veteran lifeguard in Long Beach and co-founder of Surf for All, who has a 52-year-old developmentally disabled son.

While children aren't "cured" of their disabilities, there is much to gain from having a little fun and mastering what could potentially become a life-long pursuit.

"It's just taken off," Surf for All founder Jim Mulvaney said. "People with disabilities often don't have enough fun. And they're left out of things and they're often seen as being disabled rather than being abled."

What a great organization and cause. Kudos to all involved!