welcome

This is the first post on the Surfpal blog (aka Surfpal-autism.blogspot.com).
Surfpals was founded in 2007 by three friends, a lifeguard/assemblyman, a corporate executive/master surf instructor and me, an investigator and former journalist.
In 2002 we participated in the first Autism Surfing event in New York with five children, a couple of surfboards and some pro surfers from California.
From there it has grown to an international phenomenon. Last year we held our first Surfari in England, so we are international.
This summer we will hold events in New York (Long Beach, Gilgo Beach and Southampton) as well as several in England and perhaps Ireland.
Our website should be up soon.
Autism is a communications malady that is, sadly, an epidemic ripping through the world. More than 1 in 150 children born today will be diagnosed with the disorder. It's cause is unknown but I believe is somewhere in a horrific coming together of genetic mutation and environmental trigger.
There is no cure.
We take the kids surfing because the one universal statement about autism is that the sufferers don't have enough fun. You don't need to be able to speak, converse coherently or even be well mannered to surf.
For the teachers, coaches and other participants, the reward is the smiles on the faces of our kids. We don't commit miracles, but we make kids happy which, may be a miracle in itself.
Again, welcome
Jim Mulvaney