Gnome Surf Therapy

The surf camps are a highlight for our summers! We love the surf community meal and ceremony that comes with them but the biggest thing is that my daughter isn’t just included but celebrated and has developed a strong sense of belonging. She has overcome fears/anxieties, shown more independence, as well as gained her courage back after feeling knocked down by life and heart surgery. Every child is celebrated in their own way and the instructors do really well learning about each kids needs and wants. We also love the super soft towels the child receives with every completed surf camp. We wish it was a bit easier to figure out the scheduling and be in the loop for camps or the girls team but I hear things are being worked on. Can’t wait to see Costa Rica!

Gnome Surf has captured our family's hearts! Chris and team have been so welcoming since our very first surf session. We purchased two season passes (totally worth the investment!) and surfed from July through September. I can speak from experience - the magic of Gnome Surf will bring your kids more joy and confidence than any other sport. Whether your child is typical or not-so-typical, Gnome Surf will lovingly accept them and help them reach their greatest potential. Highly recommend and am looking forward to making Gnome Surf part of our family's summer every year. Thank you Chris, Bethany and team for being awesome! We love you guys!

Last summer, we packed our car, and drove what felt like a small eternity, to a beach we had never been to, to meet people we had never met before, to do a thing we had never done before. What we found when we got there was pure joy. I found myself watching and cheering for kids I didn't even know. The joy from the athletes, and instructors was tangible. My son was quite nervous, but the instructors took their time and were super patient with him. It was a fulfilling event. I left feeling an overwhelming sense of joy. I look forward to becoming more involved in the organization as a volunteer this summer! I would recommend this organization to anyone who needs (or wants) a little (or a lot) of joy!

Gnome surf has given my family a second chance at living a meaningful quality-rich life. My nonverbal 8 year old autistic son (who also has Noonan Syndrome and cardiomyopathy) started surfing with Gnome surf in 2019. I never thought of surf therapy for my son and was baffled when I stumbled across it on my search for some kind of activity for my son to participate in, since structured sports and most things are out for him. I was apprehensive at first about sending my fragile child out into the open ocean with someone I did not know, but when we arrived at the beach and we met Chris I knew instantly my son was in safe wonderful hands, quite literally. When my son has a session with Chris, he’s bonding with another male, has the undivided attention of an older role model figure, he’s listening to and following instructions, he’s building a trusting relationship, he’s working his low muscle tone and weak core to a fierce achievement, he’s concentrating, he’s learning self discipline and his own limits, and most importantly, he’s having FUN, he’s vocalizing, and he’s LOVING his time at the beach with Chris. I feel almost star struck to be on the same sand as Chris, the founder of Gnome Surf as he takes my sweet boy into the open ocean and lovingly gives him the ability to be anything he wants to be. This comes natural to Chris. He has the extremely unique and rare ability to teach these kids anything at all. Being around Chris and his kind tribe is a privilege that I still can’t believe we have been granted. He inspires me to be a better human on a daily basis and my son has benefited from Gnome Surf Therapy in ways I never imagined! I can’t imagine our lives without Chris or Gnome surf! Surfs up- take part in the stoke!

This was an amazing experience for our family, especially our son. The surf instructor, Christopher built a trusting relationship and my son felt safe going into the ocean. Chris even got my son to stand on the board and ride waves in. Watching him give high fives, smile and laugh was all I needed to see. The fun didn’t stop there as all the way home my boy was giggling and teasing his sister. He was way more interactive with us and never asked for his iPad which was surprising. This is a must do, and do again!

If you are looking for therapeutic surf lessons for your child with special needs, look no further! The level of compassion, patience, acceptance & love your child will receive, from the instructors at Gnome Surf, is second to none! Thank you, Chris & Gnome Surf for always keeping my boy safe, for you patience and for the love you show him 🙏🏼

It's hard to express how much Gnome Surf Therapy has meant to our family. Belonging is a gift. Thank you. We are all healing and finding our strength.

Prior to becoming a parent of a child with disability, I was a direct care worker assisting the developmentally disabled for a decade. During that time, I have been a participant and observer of many wonderful recreational activities designed to serve the underserved. Gnome Surf Therapy manages to raises the bar in excellence. The instructor gave his full dedication and spent every moment in the activity. When an entrepeneur marries his/her love to a business model, it really shows.