Photo:
This weekend in Mount Maunganui, over 80 children living with autism will enjoy a day of surf lessons thanks to not-for-profit Surfers Healing. The California organisation uses ocean waves to provide therapeutic experiences for kids, including those whose autism means they can become overwhelmed with simple sensations.
There are regular camps in places like Hawaii, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico. Now back in Mount Maunganui for the fourth year — and sixth year in New Zealand — this weekend's sessions will be led by big names in the world of surfing - Sam Willis, Maddy Walton, and Levi Stewart.
Ian Reeder, who has spent more than 20 years with the organisation and is responsible for bringing Surfers Healing to Aotearoa, tells Kathryn all about it.
