Who We Are

Surf For All’s roots originated in 2002 with the development of a surf program for developmentally disabled teenagers. Over the years we expanded our outings to cover a broader spectrum of disabilities– autism, cerebral palsy, global developmental delays, visual impairment and others. We work closely with the Long Beach School District and provide weekly lessons at no cost for students ages five to twenty during the Summer Special Education Program. We provide programs for the economically disadvantaged. We have also expanded to work closely with Wounded Warriors, providing lessons and support for our military heroes and their families.
Our work has been featured on network television, major newspapers, radio, social media and elsewhere. Our motto is always the same: we get just as much enjoyment from the program as our students get. Some of our students can not walk, speak, or see but when they get in the water they have a sense of independence and freedom that can’t be generated in any other setting.

Board of Directors

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Cliff Skudin

Co-founder and President of Skudin Surf Inc. and Surf For All (non-profit organization), Cliff is a certified New York State Teacher and holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Hofstra University.  Cliff is a certified EMT, WSI instructor, and lifeguard. Cliff has two entries into the World Surf League Big Wave Awards from Nazare Portugal and Nelscott Reef, Oregon, as well as one entry in the Ride of the Year category in the World Surf.  Cliff firmly believes in Surf For All’s message: surfing is healing and spiritual strength which should be accessible to all.

Surf For All / Photo: Jason Belsky

Will Skudin

Will Skudin

Internationally-recognized Big Wave Surfer, Co-Founder/Vice President of Skudin Surf Inc. and Surf For All (non-profit organization), Will was inducted into the Nazare Portugal Big Wave Surfing Wall of Fame. He became Top 10 Big Wave World Tour Ranking in 2016-2018. Will was also a WSL Jaws Big Wave Championship finalist in Maui, Hawaii, WSL Puerto Escondido Challenge finalist, WSL Oregon Pro finalist, and a two-time Big Wave overall Performance award finalist. Will firmly believes in Surf For All’s message: surfing is healing and spiritual strength which should be accessible to all.

Dr. Jeanine Sorensen

Dr. Jeanine Sorensen has been involved with Surf for All for ten years. She received her doctorate in Community School Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a school psychologist in the public school system for 20 years. Dr. Sorensen provides consultation to the organization, including grant writing and disability awareness. She facilitates the integrated adaptive surf camp and the community surf outings. Dr. Sorensen is the co-author of the children’s book, Milo the Sloth- Saved by the Stoke. She has worked with multiple age and functioning levels and has a wide range of experience with behavior intervention. Dr. Sorensen is also the mother of two children and has surfing knowledge. Her clinical and educational experiences support the organization and its athletes.

Jim

Jim, a dedicated board member, set up the first New York outing for disabled children in 2002 with his friend, internationally known surfer and autism expert, Izzy Paskowitz. Jim’s son, Dan, has profound autism. Dan was one of the first students in the water. Jim is a consultant who provides security and anti-terrorism advice for clients here and abroad. He is a former journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner for Investigative Reporting. In the winter, Jim is an on-ice coach for a hockey team of young adults with autism.

Nancy

Nancy has been volunteering her time to Surf For All for six years. She comes to us with her knowledge of surfing, understanding of children, and expertise in administrative duties. As a secretary, her dedication to the Surf For All foundation makes her a valuable part of the Surf For All team.