Surf’s up for Long Beach students with special needs

Surf for All outing among many summer activities for kids

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Thanks to Surf for All, students in Long Beach Public Schools Extended School Year Program reveled in a life-altering summer learning experience.

With the aid of specially trained surf instructors, students set off on longboards to ride waves and experience the healing powers of the ocean as their families and teachers cheered them on. Surfing helps participants take a step toward independence, challenging them to overcome fears, build trust, establish relationships, enhance gross motor skills and listen to directions — many of the same skills they work to develop during regular classroom instruction.

“My wave was high, it was good,” said 6-year-old student Isaiah Bird, a wrestler with the Long Beach Gladiators who was born with a defect that left him without legs.

Luke Gilmore has been coming to the program for a few years with his classmates, but he had never worked up the courage to take the plunge. When he emerged all smiles from the water after catching his first wave, he was greeted with applause, high fives and hugs from teachers, friends and family.

“I am so proud that Luke finally overcame his fear and rode a wave,” said Luke’s mother, Jennifer Gilmore. “The pride on his face was overwhelming. I’m still feeling so emotional about this achievement.”

Surf for All is a local not-for-profit organization launched by brothers
Cliff and Will Skudin and Long Beach resident Jim Mulvaney to help people
with special needs. Through surfing, they have helped those with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, visual impairments and blindness, Down syndrome, autism, diabetes, as well as those with economic barriers, the Wounded Warriors, and
cancer patients.

“We believe the ocean provides a sense of healing and positive experience,” said Cliff Skudin. “We will
do anything and everything to spread our mission to share our love for the
ocean with all.”


Surf for All is just one of the many recreational, enriching and practical learning activities offered to students in the Extended School Year Program. In addition to their regular summer classroom instruction, students have participated in swim sessions at the high school pool and taken trips to Rockville Centre Bowl and Key Food. Students also played mini-golf at the new course by the Long Beach boardwalk. 

“We are pleased to be able to provide our students with many enriching summer activities,” said Sabrina Cantore, the district’s executive director of pupil services. “We are especially grateful to the Skudins, who have been volunteering their time and talent for many years now. It has been a phenomenal experience for our students and their families.”