Ocean City surfing camp gives kids with autism confidence, community

Nathaniel Reaves lies on a surfboard, gripping the sides with both hands.

His eyes were a bit unsure, but the 5-year-old boy looked calm as he floated with the ebb and pull of the waves.

Perched behind him, a professional surfer watched the tide with an expert eye, waiting for the right time to take Reaves along on a thrilling ride. 

From the shore, his mom cheered with eyes brimming with tears as for the second time, her ocean-loving son dipped and skimmed through the waves.

"He loves water," said Monica Reaves. "He was very excited, it was a little scary at first, but he was very happy to do it.”

Nathaniel Reaves was diagnosed with autism when he was 2. His mother describes him as laid back, but says he struggles with communication and is behind other children his age. 

She sees his confidence when he is in the water. 

Wednesday, Aug. 15, he joined more than 100 other children with autism at the Surfers Healing camp in Ocean City. 

The camp pairs children with autism with professional surfers for a safe, unforgettable surfing experience. 

Reaves said the camp helps both the children and their families.

"It is really comforting because you feel like you are not alone and like you are all in the journey together."

The beginning

Almost 10 years ago, beach-lover Kat Trammell took her son to a Surfers Healing camp in Belmar, New Jersey, and something extraordinary happened. 

Trammell's son has autism, and at the time he was not able to communicate verbally. But shortly after the camp, her son pointed to a picture of the beach during a speech therapy session.

He said the words "ocean," "water" and "surfing." He initiated a conversation because he wanted to talk about his experience. 

"It was obviously moving for him," said Trammell. "The ocean is so healing, when they are out there they are totally different kids."

Surfers Healing was founded by professional surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his wife, Danielle, more than 20 years ago.

His family had a breakthrough with their autistic son after he experienced the power and joy of the ocean. Instead of throwing a tantrum, he was soothed and calm. 

Paskowitz found that his son loved surfing and he and his wife soon began spreading the message to other families that had children with autism.

Since then, the camp has grown exponentially, spreading to cities across the U.S, spearheaded by local organizers. They now reach almost 5,000 children.

In Ocean City, Trammell was determined to bring the camp to town after her son found joy at the New Jersey surfing event. 

"I thought it was important to share this experience with other families," said Trammel. 

Her work to make connections with local surf shop Quiet Storm and find a suitable location paid off — the Ocean City Surfers Healing camp is now in it's ninth year. 

Kids find confidence

Starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, groups of kids entered the water accompanied by surfers and volunteers. Many were kicking and screaming.

Yet, the professional surfers and volunteers were unfazed, holding kids while their faces and bodies relaxed. 

Six-year-old Van Nappi attended the event for the first time this year. His face lit up when he talked about his experience. 

"I went through big waves and I standed up surfing," he said, with a toothy grin. "I feel great."

Nappi has an infectious smile and loves learning about cars and trucks, said his mother, Ginger. But he is also a "thrill-seeker" and she said it can be tough to make it through a normal day if the family doesn't keep to a strict schedule. 

The family heard about the event through the autism support community online. Nappi said watching her son surfing was emotional, but wonderful. 

Unlike newcomer Nappi, 17-year-old Nick Brown is an old pro at the surfing event. This is his seventh year, and he plans to keep coming back.

"Today I went out and enjoyed the waves out there," said Brown. "It feels great to go out there and go out there with other kids with autism with me and to have fun."

Community bonds

In addition to helping kids find confidence, the event is a place to bond and relax for families and friends. 

Nick Brown said he makes friends that he comes back to see every year. 

"To meet friends, come back and make new ones and meet the old ones, it is great," he said. 

It means a lot to be able to relax without stigma, said Trammel. She said her family often experiences difficulty when out in public. Her son is still learning how to be aware of personal space, and sometimes strangers react negatively to his behavior.  

“I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a grocery store and my son has bumped into someone and they have this look of disgust," she said. "It’s pretty harsh for these children to be judged."

But at Surfers Healing, the families and kids understand one another. 

"Everyone is loving and supportive and it’s nothing but good vibes, it really means a lot."

More:Finally, weather smiles and anglers head out on the water in full force

More:Children with autism 'find peace' surfing in OC

More:Ocean City paddleboarder to compete in national race