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GIVING BACK
Greg Long and Best Day Foundation share surfing's stoke with children with special needs
By:
Max Montgomery
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November 24, 2010
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The waves were small, but the smiles were huge
and brighter than the gorgeous weather in Orange County last weekend, as dozens of children with special needs experienced the joys of surfing with Best Day Foundation.
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Participants included special children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, sight and hearing challenges, and more. None of that stopped these amazing children from surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, SUP, and having an outstanding day at the beach. The crew of volunteers included big-wave chargers Greg and Rusty Long, World Champion longboarder Jen Smith, and other community members who wanted to hang out and help. Even Ricochet the surf dog showed. "It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Best Day. It literally was just that. Sharing the stoke of surfing, and a day at the beach with the kids was far more gratifying than any surf session I can remember," said Greg Long. To many children it was a lifetime dream realized. "I had a really great time surfing. Thank you all very, very much. I always wanted to surf," said 10 year old Alexa Anderson, who's not able to walk due to Cerebral Palsy. "It was truly a magical day, and I've sent photos of her on the surfboard to people far and wide," said Alexa's Mom Jane. "Thank you a million times over for the opportunity to see my girl on the sea, on a surfboard. " It was an equally powerful experience for seasoned surfers. "As a surf school owner I've had the chance to help thousands of people catch their first waves. And today was my best day ever taking someone surfing. In fact, taking children out for their first waves ever using a tandem surfboard with the custom chair was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Jason Senn, owner of Endless Summer Surf Camp. "One new surfer was screaming 'Thank you' to me halfway through our first ride. I felt like I should be thanking him. What a great program and what a great vibe on the beach and in the water." The impact was universal and infectious. "Best day I've had in the water in a long, long time, such a blessing! Smiles, high fives, and stoke were all I saw! My cheeks still hurt from smiling and laughing!" exclaimed SUP paddler Tracey Engelking. "Count me in as a lifetime volunteer!" she added. "It was an incredible first set of events with outstanding community support," said Best Day Co-Founder Max Montgomery. "We hope to grow so we can take all the special children on our rapidly expanding waiting list out surfing." With chapters in New Jersey, Ventura, and Orange County, Best Day empowers communities across the country to offer special days at the beach and snow to children with special needs. Visit www.bestdayfoundation.org to learn more about the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and how you can help more special children. MORE SURF NEWS SURFLINE HOME PAGE |