Special Needs Surf Camp

Special Needs Surf Camp

Notice of exemption for Coastal Conservancy approval of grant funding. Through their Special Needs Surf Camp, Surfing Madonna Oceans Project (SMOP) will provide adaptive surfing and beach activities to approximately 400 youth, ages 4-17, who have physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Many of the participants will be from lower-income households, families of color, immigrant communities, and other historically excluded groups who primarily reside in inland San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties. The project will occur at San Diego beaches during ten Saturdays in the summers of 2023 and 2024. Participants will engage in fun and healing experiences through instructor-led surfing, swimming, sandcastle building, and playing at the beach. While the focus of the activities will be about fun and exploration, participants will also build their confidence and skills in learning new activities. SMOP staff, trained instructors, and volunteers will provide compassionate training, support, and encouragement to all participants. This project will further support the participants, as Surfing Madonna Oceans Project encourages return visits to the coast by equipping families with resources and knowledge on accessing adaptive wheelchairs and taking public transportation.

San Diego

Countywide, Southern California