Latest / Life Without a Filter: Practical Strategies for Life After 22 / Episode 18: Riding the Waves-Exploring Surf Therapy with Gnome Surf

Transcript

Episode 18: Riding the Waves-Exploring Surf Therapy with Gnome Surf · Life Without a Filter: Practical Strategies for Life After 22

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Hi everyone! In this week's episode, I wanted to shine a spotlight on one of the organizations that Elle participates in as part of his self-directed program, GNOME Surf.
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: Three summers ago, when we were developing Elle's programming model, he expressed in his person-centered plan that he wanted to try different sports and activities to support both his social and physical goals outlined in his individual support plan.
• 0:29
  SPEAKER_00: In 2024, Elle took on a brand new adventure, surfing, thanks to the incredible team at Gnome Surf.
• 0:37
  SPEAKER_00: We just completed his third summer surfing with the program and it continues to amaze us every year.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: So if you're located in the southern Massachusetts or Rhode Island area and are looking for inclusive, meaningful activities for your child or young adult, this is one organization you may want to check out.
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: Even though the official surf season is over, they start registration for next year in October.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: So be sure to check out their website to find out when the packages and lessons go on sale.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: I'll put a link to their website in the show notes.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: So let's learn more about Gnome Surf.
• 1:18
  SPEAKER_00: If you happen to be watching this on YouTube, I am on the Gnome Surf Therapy website.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: If you're listening to this as a podcast, again, make sure you go check out the website.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: The link is below in the show notes to see everything that I'm talking about.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: Gnome Surf is a 501c3 nonprofit surf therapy organization founded by Christopher Anato.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: Their mission centers around inclusion, acceptance, and emotional wellness through surf therapy and other adaptive recreational experiences.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: According to their website, surf therapy combines the therapeutic elements of the ocean with the adventure of surfing to positively impact the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: So, how does surf therapy work?
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: Surf therapy blends physical activity with the calming, sensory-rich environment of the ocean.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: It's not just about learning to ride a wave, it's about improving emotional regulation, communication, physical coordination, and overall confidence.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: In planning for this podcast, I did a little research to find some articles to support its effectiveness.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: And I'll put the links to these also in the show notes.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: The first one I want to spotlight is a study published in the Disability in Health Journal titled Effectiveness of Surf Therapy for Children with Disabilities.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: This study found significant improvements in core strength, upper body strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance after an eight-week surf therapy program.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: Participants in this study included children with autism, Down syndrome, global developmental delays, and cerebral palsy.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: Another study published in the Journal of Sport for Development, titled Adapted Surfing as a Tool to Promote Inclusion and Rising Disability Awareness in Portugal, highlighted how adaptive surfing supports daily living skills, education, leisure, and social participation.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: All of these are key pillars of transition planning and person-centered approaches.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_00: One of the things I love most about Gnome Surf is their individualized, flexible approach.
• 3:53
  SPEAKER_00: Elle has participated in one-on-one surf therapy sessions, and they truly beat each athlete where they are, both physically and emotionally.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_00: Each session is tailored to the individual's needs and comfort level.
• 4:07
  SPEAKER_00: For Elle, that has meant learning how to paddle out, getting on his knees, and even moving into the squatting position while riding a wave.
• 4:16
  SPEAKER_00: With the support this year of his instructor Sarah, he reached his goal of standing up on the board, and by the end of the season, he had a personal best of 16 runs standing up.
• 4:29
  SPEAKER_00: But even on those days when he wipes out, Elle comes up laughing and smiling.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: It's not just about the surfing, it's about confidence, joy, and connection.
• 4:40
  SPEAKER_00: So you might be saying, that's great for Elle, but what if surfing isn't a fit for my child?
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_00: If your child or young adult isn't a fan of water, GNOME Surf also offers a surf fit and wellness program, and you can learn more about it on their website.
• 4:58
  SPEAKER_00: This is a dry land version which mirrors many of the physical and social skill-building elements of surf therapy, but in a more accessible environment for those who prefer to stay out of the waves.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_00: You can learn more about this, like I said, and all of their programs on their website.
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_00: Exploring new activities can be a game changer for young adults in self-directed programming.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_00: It not only supports their ISP goals, it broadens their social circles, builds confidence, and fosters independence.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_00: And one of the things we love about GNOME Surf is right there on the first page of the website where they say our mission is to bring happiness, kindness, love, and acceptance for all, and that they don't just teach surfing, they redefine what it means to thrive.
• 5:48
  SPEAKER_00: What a great organization to be paired up with.
• 5:52
  SPEAKER_00: As we end this week's episode, ask yourself, what's a new activity you could explore this season for your child or young adult to support their physical, social, or emotional development?
• 6:05
  SPEAKER_00: Whether it's surfing, adaptive biking, or art classes, there are so many opportunities out there to help your young person thrive.
• 6:15
  SPEAKER_00: And if you found some activities that your person loves, why don't you let me know in the comments?
• 6:22
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, have a great week.