Surfers Healing is an awesome organization that was founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz, after their son, Isaiah was diagnosed with autism at 3. Like many children with autism Isaiah suffered from sensory overload. The ocean was the place where the family found respite. Izzy a former competitive surfer came up with the idea one day with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and Izzy steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together. For the Primer Family we are very happy that surfing had this huge of a profound impact on Isaiah, because Izzy and Danielle decided they wanted to share this awesome therapy with other children with autism.
They offer this awesome experience free of charge to families. Surfers Healing provides lunch, healthy snacks and a ton of water! It is truly a magical day. In the Primer Household there is only one day that equals this day and that is the TACA Picnic, it is better then Easter, its better then your birthday and its better then Christmas, yes I said Christmas!!!
This year was our 4th year and it did not fail to deliver even though it was cold and overcast in San Diego. This year Austin had the privilege to surf with Izzy. It was near the end of the day and I can tell you every surfer out there was still energetic and ready to go. It was amazing to watch. The have perfected their system even for children who are afraid or are unsure what they need to do. The Surfers healing team has one or two people help the surfer and child into the water and on to the surf board. Once out, I am unsure how they work their magic, but they do. Then when they finally catch the perfect wave they come surfing in, some kids will be lying on the surf board, others will be standing with the help of the surfer and even some will come in hanging on the back of the surfer. It is truly amazing to see them in action. Where they find the people they do to come out is unknown to me, but let me tell you they are wonderful. They have patience, they have Autism training and they have surfing talent and some how they pull all 3 together at crunch time!!! And when I say talent, I do not exaggerate last year Austin had the privilege to surf with Sunny Garcia, who was as gracious as he is talented.
Surfers healing is truly one of the rare charities who are in it for the right reason. They don’t have a NYC Park Avenue office; they don’t spend an ungodly amount of money on office supplies. They spend their money on “wetsuits, surfboards, rash guards, life vests and other equipment that must be replaced every season. Food and drinks are provided to the kids and their families. Beach permits, insurance, and administration.” I am not sure how many of you have priced wetsuits, but I have and they are not cheap. I am fortunate and live in SoCal and have a mother that processes a talent for finding things at thrift stores and have yet to pay full price, but Surfers healing does not have that luxury they get to pay the going market rate!
So my challenge today is for all my friends who grew up with Ed and I and surf or enjoy our awesome Carlsbad beaches is to donate money to Surfers healing in Austin Primer’s name. Let the Paskowitz family and the Surfers Healing team knows that you appreciate the gift they have given Austin and our entire family. Show them the love, even $5 helps!!!
Until next time, PITAup and make the world a better place for someone with Autism!!!
*Please note any links that are in green and underlined twice are being linked by the blog, and are not being linked by me and do not represent anything I am promoting.*
They offer this awesome experience free of charge to families. Surfers Healing provides lunch, healthy snacks and a ton of water! It is truly a magical day. In the Primer Household there is only one day that equals this day and that is the TACA Picnic, it is better then Easter, its better then your birthday and its better then Christmas, yes I said Christmas!!!
This year was our 4th year and it did not fail to deliver even though it was cold and overcast in San Diego. This year Austin had the privilege to surf with Izzy. It was near the end of the day and I can tell you every surfer out there was still energetic and ready to go. It was amazing to watch. The have perfected their system even for children who are afraid or are unsure what they need to do. The Surfers healing team has one or two people help the surfer and child into the water and on to the surf board. Once out, I am unsure how they work their magic, but they do. Then when they finally catch the perfect wave they come surfing in, some kids will be lying on the surf board, others will be standing with the help of the surfer and even some will come in hanging on the back of the surfer. It is truly amazing to see them in action. Where they find the people they do to come out is unknown to me, but let me tell you they are wonderful. They have patience, they have Autism training and they have surfing talent and some how they pull all 3 together at crunch time!!! And when I say talent, I do not exaggerate last year Austin had the privilege to surf with Sunny Garcia, who was as gracious as he is talented.
Surfers healing is truly one of the rare charities who are in it for the right reason. They don’t have a NYC Park Avenue office; they don’t spend an ungodly amount of money on office supplies. They spend their money on “wetsuits, surfboards, rash guards, life vests and other equipment that must be replaced every season. Food and drinks are provided to the kids and their families. Beach permits, insurance, and administration.” I am not sure how many of you have priced wetsuits, but I have and they are not cheap. I am fortunate and live in SoCal and have a mother that processes a talent for finding things at thrift stores and have yet to pay full price, but Surfers healing does not have that luxury they get to pay the going market rate!
So my challenge today is for all my friends who grew up with Ed and I and surf or enjoy our awesome Carlsbad beaches is to donate money to Surfers healing in Austin Primer’s name. Let the Paskowitz family and the Surfers Healing team knows that you appreciate the gift they have given Austin and our entire family. Show them the love, even $5 helps!!!
Until next time, PITAup and make the world a better place for someone with Autism!!!
*Please note any links that are in green and underlined twice are being linked by the blog, and are not being linked by me and do not represent anything I am promoting.*
I see you couldn't resist divulging our secret to the world, lol.
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