Surf For All: A Life-Changing Week in the Waves

Words: Jo Anne Donovan
Photos: Jason Belsky (@jaybelsky)
Date: March 1, 2026

Gerard and Instructor Cliff Skudin

When my husband first told me about Surf For All, I was intrigued but hesitant.  He thought it would be a great experience for our son, Gerard.  Gerard is an energetic, adventurous 6-year-old who just finished kindergarten.  Gerard is on the autism spectrum. Gerard loves the water but isn’t yet fully swimming on his own. He was more than happy to wear a life jacket in the ocean and that’s exactly what he did while surfing. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a surf camp, especially for a child with special needs. We were fortunate enough to receive a spot in the Surf For All camp in Long Beach, NY, and what unfolded was nothing short of remarkable.

From the moment we arrived, we were met with warmth, compassion, and the kind of welcoming energy that instantly put us at ease. This was Gerard’s very first camp experience, and it was everything we could have hoped for and more.

At first, Gerard was hesitant to get into the water. He listened attentively to the coaches and followed instructions on land, but the idea of getting on the board and into the ocean made him nervous. That all changed when Cliff stepped in. Cliff was patient, encouraging, and knew exactly how to make Gerard feel safe. By the end of the first day, Gerard was out on the water smiling, laughing, and gaining confidence with every wave.

Gerard and Instructor Cliff Skudin

Throughout the week, Gerard and Cliff became a team. Each morning, Gerard looked forward to seeing Cliff and heading out into the surf with him. He even told other students, “Cliff is my friend.” They would sit on the board together, chatting as they waited for the “perfect set.” Cliff not only got Gerard to stand up on the board, he had him riding waves that soared nearly 90 degrees into the air! Gerard, whom we often describe as a “sink or swim” kind of kid, absolutely thrived in that environment.

Later in the week, Gerard also had the chance to surf with Black, another incredible instructor. Black made Gerard feel just as safe, heard, and supported. He was very proud of him as he attempted to stand up on the board by himself. The connection between the instructors and the kids was truly inspiring to witness.  All the staff knew how to work with special needs children without making them feel like they were different.  

As a parent of a child with special needs, this experience was deeply emotional. We watched our son grow in ways we hadn’t imagined.  Gerard built confidence, independence, and joy through the power of the ocean. Surf For All is more than just a camp; it’s a community of compassionate, dedicated people who see the potential in every child and cheer them on every step of the way.

The impact didn’t end when the week was over. Since camp, we’ve noticed real changes in Gerard, especially socially. He’s more talkative, more expressive, and more willing to try new things. He proudly tells people he learned how to surf, and he lights up when looking at pictures or talking about Cliff and the waves. He now approaches social situations with more confidence, and his excitement about this experience has spilled over into conversations at home, at school, and with peers.

Surf For All didn’t just give Gerard a fun week at the beach. It gave him (and us) a moment of transformation, empowerment, and pure happiness. We are beyond grateful to everyone who made this week unforgettable. Gerard can’t wait to come back—and neither can we.