By Lori Wilson
Giggles broke out between the roars of the waves. Volunteers donning orange rash guards dotted the sand, inviting participants with disabilities to catch a wave.
“Let’s go!”, said a volunteer. A young girl with a smile streaked across her face followed him into the ocean. Once they were in the water, she carefully laid on the surfboard. Assuring her that the sport was fun, the volunteer steadied the board, readying it to catch the perfect wave.
When the wave glided her along the water, with encouragement, she slowly rose to her feet. There were cheers from the shore and an instant look of both surprise and pride on the young surfer’s face.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City hosted a special surfing day for children with autism and related developmental disabilities. The event, organized in conjunction with the local nonprofit Heart of Surfing, ran from 9 a.m. to noon and offered special needs participants a unique opportunity to ride the waves with the help of experienced surfers from the Jersey Shore.
Hard Rock team members volunteered both on land and in the water. The event was carefully planned to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey was on hand along with several guards keeping everyone safe in the water.
Heart of Surfing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 2014 by Cindy and Bob Fertsch. The all-volunteer organization is dedicated to creating positive recreational experiences for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities. Inspired by their son Jamie’s love of the sea, the Fertsch family established the organization with the belief that everyone should have the chance to experience the waves.
“My husband and I noticed that the ocean was soothing for our son on the autism spectrum,” explained Cindy Fertsch, co-founder and director of Heart of Surfing. “Being enveloped in the moving water and waves eased his feelings of sensory overload. Individuals on the autism spectrum often have difficulties with sensory integration. For many, feeling and riding the waves is a positive experience. Families also report it has helped to build their loved one’s confidence. For some, it is the first time they have ever experienced the ocean.”
The organization offers a variety of free programs, including surfing, skateboarding, roller skating, ice skating and more. Its mission is to raise awareness and a sense of belonging for those on the autism spectrum.
Through events like this, Heart of Surfing continues to make waves in the community, showing that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the thrill of the ocean.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino presented Cindy and Bob with a $5,000 check in the shape of a guitar as a donation to Heart of Surfing. The organization will use the funds to support programming and their annual scholarships.
“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is honored to partner with Heart of Surfing. Along with our team members who have volunteered today,” said George Goldoff, president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City. “We have donated $5,000. on behalf of our Boardwalk 1000 Foundation to this wonderful organization, along with new soft-top surf boards and equipment for the children who are learning how to surf today,” he said.
Heart of Surfing organizes weekly surfing events, taking place every Saturday during the summer. Events rotate between beach towns, from Brigantine to North Wildwood.
The organization thanks ABC World News Tonight with David Muir for airing coverage of the event, and appreciates the support of Governor Phil Murphy (NJ), who called to thank Cindy and Bob for their community goodwill.
For more information about Heart of Surfing, visit their website at www.heartofsurfing.org.
Photos by Steffen Klenk with the exception of the photo with the Ferris wheel in the background, which is by Benjamin Howard
