Montauk Sun
A Walk on Water. AWOW. All surfers know the expression; one they have had and one that’s seen when those learning to surf pop up and catch a wave for the first time. For twelve years the nonprofit AWOW organization has artfully combined therapy and surfing by working with children with special abilities and their families to connect to the ocean and enjoy the powerful, fun experience of surfing.
The concept is deceptively simple, instructors and volunteers assist participants in building confidence and skills in the water while surfing, something that transfers to facing challenges and changing conditions in everyday life, in and out of the water. Beach events are created for the entire family, with surf instructors in the water with participants and their siblings, and additional activities of play on the beach such as yoga and art therapy, within a celebratory vibe and gathering with bites and beverages…
