Surfers For Autism at Tybee Island

Thomas got to participate in a SFA event at Tybee Island on Saturday- it was AMAZING! Surfers for Autism is an awesome group who's mission is "to unlock the potential of people with developmental disabilities, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism" 

Their events are open to kids with all different (dis)abilities, so Thomas and his extra 21st chromosome were in! I cannot tell you how wonderful this group and their volunteers were. From their webpage: At a SFA event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities

They first worked with him on the sand to teach him what to do in the water

Then he paddled out beyond the break to wait for his wave

which he got! He had NO interest in standing, but loved it nonetheless

This smile never left his face the whole time on his board

He'd pull his helpers back in again and again!

Even a couple big wipeouts didn't phase him

Michelle (and the other 2 working with him) were beyond FABULOUS!

Tired but super happy after his group finished

A break for some yummy shaved ice

...and some yogurt ;)

Then it was time to go back in (showing LK how it's done)

Turning some pretty young heads

SURF'S UP DUDES! (with his second group of volunteers)

Finished the day with a tour of Tybee's firetruck 


I missed a scheduled 3 mile run to go to this, but it was worth it x1,000,000! Plus I ran around at the beach after my 2 youngest, that counts for SOMETHING, right? Did 3.5 miles this am. Have been back at it for 3 weeks, seems like it should be getting a little easier... it's not. Anyhow, I will leave you with a 3min. video of the day at Tybee.   



Next event in in St. Augustine in August, then Jacksonville Beach in Sept.... may think about making the drives (Tybee is less than 15 min. from my house, so this one was easy :) )