On July 18th at Stuart's public beach 115 volunteers gathered together to allow 105 surfers experience the waters of the Atlantic ocean in ways that many of them would never have thought possible. This was the brain child of a group of surfers,after seeing the effects and freedom achieved by the brother of a fellow surfer, Lou Rodas. When they pushed Lou's autistic, Sebastian along in the waves, watching as caught the surf bug.

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/apr/30/justin-beard-surfers-autism-ready-hit-waves/

Lou and some of his friends started working with Sebastian and others like him, soon turning their passion into Surfers for Autism, a fundraiser for Walk Now for Autism.

http://www.walknowforautism.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.4356939/k.BF85/Home.htm

This year is the first year that the surfers from their home beach and traveled to the Treasure Coast , and will soon be checking the waves in Cocoa Beach to spread the magic that happens when the surfers hit the waves


I have spent time searching websites about this group. It is just so awesome what this group has done. And I can type until my fingers blister, and not convince some people, but if you have doubts or thoughts that this is a gimmick, just look at this.

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If that doesn't do it for you, nothing will.

I have been talking with Don Ryan, the President and Events Organizer for Surfers for Autism, who has been working with locals on the Treasure Coast for their second stop as they work up Florida's coast line. There was such a great turn out and response they are looking forward to the next skip up the cost that will land them in Cocoa Beach on Sept 19th.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=201740165270&ref=mf

When I had been on the beach the morning the surfers took to the water in Stuart, I was overcome by the many, many sponsors that had set up on the beach. There was tons of food from Bono's Bar-b-Que, Carmella's Brick oven Pizza, Hurricane Wings and Tropical Smoothie kept everyone fed. While there were other services there too,I was excited to see Eppy Financial Group that though based down south is making their services available to those of us on the Treasure Coast.

http://www.eppyfinancial.com/new/eppyfinancial/

While it would be great to list everyone that helped at this even and give them all the props they deserve, the list just keeps growing. So I will list the few that I have;
Stand Up Paddle Board
Florida Oceanographic Society http://www.floridaoceanographic.org/
Elliott Museum http://www.elliottmuseumfl.org/
US Sailing Center http://www.usscmc.org/
Autism Speaks http://www.autismspeaks.org/
My Kids County
Hutchinson Island Marriott http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pbiir-hutchinson-island-marriott-beach-resort-and-marina/
Totora Surf Boards http://www.totorasurfboards.com/
Ohah Surf Shop
Island Water Sports
Toyota of Stuart http://www.toyotaofstuart.com/?gclid=CLyt87O775sCFQJ-xgodNzlf-Q
Surf Central http://www.surfcentralsurfshop.com/
Hang Loose Surf School http://www.hangloosesurfschool.com/
Billabong
Ezride Surf School http://www.ezridesurfschool.com/
The Bike Shop
and music by
Fresh Catch

If you want to get involved or just read more, follow the links, and see what a difference this often disregarded group of surfers are doing by stepping off their boards and into the world. I invite you to read more at Surfers for Autism on facebook, and join the revolution toward a cure.