Surfing the Spectrum is a non profit, community-based surfing initiative, connecting people with autism to the ocean
environment, teaching the participants ocean awareness and promoting the benefits of surf therapy.

This is the 3rd event of the 2019/20 Surfing the Spectrum Summer Series, targeting regional towns along the NSW
East Coast. Rusty Moran from Gerringong Surf School has been an advocate and supporter of surf therapy in the
industry and has provided the voluntary support and equipment required to be able to bring this event to Seven
Mile Beach, Gerroa.

On Saturday November 2nd, it is expected that 60 families of children with Autism will attend the event at Seven Mile
Beach to learn new skills and try out surfing. With limited services often available in this area, Surfing the Spectrum
hopes the event will allow the local autism community an opportunity that is frequently not made accessible to
them.

Co-Founder, Director and paediatric occupational therapist, Aimee Blacker states:

“Our awareness of the space around us is something we take for granted. For most of us, our balance, vision
and posture take care of themselves, but for people with Autism, their sensory systems are a continuous
challenge, as they are constantly overloaded by sensory input.”

“Surfing enables those with Autism to learn to move fluently in challenging environments. The ocean provides
respite from the constant attack their senses experience every day, allowing time for them to connect with
their body in a fun, unstructured, exploratory environment.”

“This event also includes the siblings of children with Autism, as we understand the sacrifices, time and love
they put aside for their brother or sister with additional needs, often missing out on the joy of events such as
this.”

Parents from previous events have expressed their enjoyment, stating:

“A last-minute decision turned out to be one of our best mornings ever at the beach. We are super grateful for
all the wonderful volunteers, surfers & organisers of Surfing the Spectrum. There were smiles all round from
everyone.”

Watch the three minute promotional video here: https://youtu.be/7uI17QH9Ubo
For more information, please visit our website here: https://surfingthespectrum.org

To get involved in this exciting, uplifting and innovative program, you are invited to contact Surfing the Spectrum via
info@surfingthespectrum.org to obtain further details. Registration opens 3 weeks prior to the event.
Additionally, any local businesses looking for a sponsorship, or staff volunteer opportunity are encouraged to contact
Surfing the Spectrum.

For more information on Gerringong Surf School visit www.gerringongsurfschool.com.au or contact Rusty Moran
on 0414 245 216.