INTERVIEW: Cody Young to Host Surf Day for Special Needs Children

Cody: This event is all about giving kids of all ages with varying disabilities or special needs, an opportunity to go surfing with experienced instructors and even some professional surfers. If they don’t feel comfortable going in the water, they can just enjoy a nice day at the beach and eat lunch provided by Kimo’s. Everyone gets prizes just for coming. The whole goal of the day is to stoke out the groms and have a good time.

Cody: A couple months ago I volunteered at an event ran by the Best Day Foundation in California. We took kids surfing, and I couldn’t believe how happy they were to ride waves. It brought me a feeling that I hadn’t really experienced before watching them. That event inspired me to create my own. It’s really just a bonus that it serves as my senior project.

Cody: From their website: “THERAsurf is a diverse collective of parents, professionals and members of the surf community committed to the belief that there is healing energy in the power of the ocean. Our goal is to provide children with special needs the opportunity to benefit from that positive energy by safely getting them into the water and up on waves. We help children and their families access the stoke of surf culture, and aspire to create a can-do environment in a world full of limitations. We hold that all children are equal, regardless of race, religion, or ability, yet respect their individual needs and differences.  We recognize that we are their advocates, especially those with severe challenges, and welcome their families and friends as part of our community.” I saw that they hold some really good events so I decided it would be best to get in contact and ask if they wanted to produce this event with me.