Gnome Surf Therapy

"Prior to becoming a parent of a child with disability, I was a direct care worker assisting the developmentally disabled for a decade. During that time, I have been a participant and observer of many wonderful recreational activities designed to serve the underserved. Gnome Surf Therapy manages to raises the bar in excellence. The instructor gave his full dedication and spent every moment in the activity. When an entrepeneur marries his/her love to a business model, it really shows."

"Gnome Surf has captured our family's hearts! Chris and team have been so welcoming since our very first surf session. We purchased two season passes (totally worth the investment!) and surfed from July through September. I can speak from experience - the magic of Gnome Surf will bring your kids more joy and confidence than any other sport. Whether your child is typical or not-so-typical, Gnome Surf will lovingly accept them and help them reach their greatest potential. Highly recommend and am looking forward to making Gnome Surf part of our family's summer every year. Thank you Chris, Bethany and team for being awesome! We love you guys!"

"Gnome surf has given my family a second chance at living a meaningful quality-rich life. My nonverbal 8 year old autistic son (who also has Noonan Syndrome and cardiomyopathy) started surfing with Gnome surf in 2019. I never thought of surf therapy for my son and was baffled when I stumbled across it on my search for some kind of activity for my son to participate in, since structured sports and most things are out for him. I was apprehensive at first about sending my fragile child out into the open ocean with someone I did not know, but when we arrived at the beach and we met Chris I knew instantly my son was in safe wonderful hands, quite literally. When my son has a session with Chris, he’s bonding with another male, has the undivided attention of an older role model figure, he’s listening to and following instructions, he’s building a trusting relationship, he’s working his low muscle tone and weak core to a fierce achievement, he’s concentrating, he’s learning self discipline and his own limits, and most importantly, he’s having FUN, he’s vocalizing, and he’s LOVING his time at the beach with Chris. I feel almost star struck to be on the same sand as Chris, the founder of Gnome Surf as he takes my sweet boy into the open ocean and lovingly gives him the ability to be anything he wants to be. This comes natural to Chris. He has the extremely unique and rare ability to teach these kids anything at all. Being around Chris and his kind tribe is a privilege that I still can’t believe we have been granted. He inspires me to be a better human on a daily basis and my son has benefited from Gnome Surf Therapy in ways I never imagined! I can’t imagine our lives without Chris or Gnome surf! Surfs up- take part in the stoke!"

"This was an amazing experience for our family, especially our son. The surf instructor, Christopher built a trusting relationship and my son felt safe going into the ocean. Chris even got my son to stand on the board and ride waves in. Watching him give high fives, smile and laugh was all I needed to see. The fun didn’t stop there as all the way home my boy was giggling and teasing his sister. He was way more interactive with us and never asked for his iPad which was surprising. This is a must do, and do again!"