Blogs 12 Long Island: Waves of Hope

By Virginia Huie

The smell of sea air. The sweet thunder of ocean waves. I've always loved the beach. Recently, I learned the same waters that give surfers a thrill can also provide peace for children with autism.

A group of dedicated surf instructors known as Surf Pals in Long Beach are bringing the wonders of the ocean to these special kids. The surfers take the children out on tandem surf boards. At first, the experience can be scary. But as soon as the children ride the waves they smile from ear to ear. The surfers say the motion of the ocean eases the sensory overload typical in autistic children.

That's 8-year-old Matthew Capobianco of Wantagh catching a wave. Matthew told me he loves it because it makes him feel like a "surfer dude." His mom, Darlene says surfing has a calming effect on Matthew. She says it's also transformed his fear of the ocean into a love for water sports.

The lessons are free. Surf Pals co-founder Elliot Zuckerman says he does it because he loves children.

That's Zuckerman teaching a girl how to hang ten.

Surf Pals reaches out to these children by giving them a day of friendship and fun. The parents love it because it gives them a chance to see their kids doing something many experts told them their children would never be able to do.