It’s been five years since Spectrum Surf started in Queens.
The event brings surfers and children with autism together for a day of learning and fun at Summerville Beach.
Cheryl Rafuse and her husband organized the event after seeing similar ones in other parts of the world.
Rafuse says although surfing is sometimes seen as daunting, it’s a calming experience for many with Autism.
“Surfing is a wonderful venue for mitigating some of the sensory issues, wearing a tight wetsuit gives a lot of calming pressure so that helps, just the feeling of sand is very calming, the sounds of the sea,” says Rafuse.
Rafuse’s son has autism and takes part every year.
The event is based in Queens and has been growing.
Rafuse would like to see it expand further and maybe have some other communities pick up and host their own.
“In the soon to be five years we’ve done it, we’ve never had a child without a smile on their face and feeling great and relaxed, it’s a wonderful experience.”
This year’s event takes place July 7.
Rafuse is looking for donations of equipment this year, particularly wetsuits that would fit older teens.
If you’d like to donate gear or volunteer as a surfer, click here.
Contributed photo
Story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
