As most people who surf can attest to, the ocean holds therapeutic potential. This theory has been tested recently by many organizations seeking to help people overcome adversity through contact with the ocean. For veterans, disadvantaged youth, and people grappling with mental and physical challenges, a little water time can be healing. Enter the nonprofit organization, A Walk On Water (AWOW).
According to their website AWOW “provides water therapy through guided surf instruction to children with specials needs. Surfing is used as a tool to gain self confidence skills and promote the therapeutic benefits of the sport’s positive effects. Children experience the true “stoke” of surfing and a sense of accomplishment as family and friends cheer them on from the beach.”
Throughout the summer and into the fall of 2017 AWOW is hosting a series of water therapy events designed to offer both the family and participating athlete a “well-deserved day of relaxation, healthy food and lifestyle guidance.” While a guided surf experience at the beach might be fun for most people, it can be profound for families who have children with special needs. As one parent who participated in an AWOW event stated, “One of the bests days in recent memory was when me and my two boys participated in A Walk On Water’s free one day, surf camp.”
With a stop at Cowells in Santa Cruz on August 19, 2017 the AWOW event tour will reach its midpoint. Other dates and locations are as follows:
APRIL 22 | FIRST POINT, MALIBU
JULY 22 | C-STREET, VENTURA
AUGUST 19 | COWELL’S, SANTA CRUZ
SEPTEMBER 8-9 | DITCH PLAINS, MONTAUK, NY
OCTOBER 7 | HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
NOVEMBER 4 | FIRST POINT, MALIBU
To learn more about the organization, sign up as a participating family, or get involved on a deeper level and volunteer with AWOW go to this website. Also, watch the video below to see AWOW in action.
Events posted on The Good Brine are subject to change. Please check directly with organizations and venues to confirm times and locations.
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Featured photo by Paul Otte
Video Edit by Justin Mehren and Chris Papaleo | Music: By Nick Drake