Surf2Live
Hey Elliot,
I just wanted to thank you again for an incredible day yesterday and I especially appreciated your patience and encouragement! I'd love to come back and do another lesson, but my weekends are pretty booked for the next few weeks, do you run anything on weekday evenings that I might be able to take advantage of? Also, I wanted to know some more information about the adult camp over the summer.
Thanks again for everything!
Paige
Surf2Live: thank you thank you thank you. Not only have you given me my first, most fantastic surf lesson, but you've inspired me to surf for the rest of my life! Elliot -- you are an absolute hero! xxx Randy
Elliot, as a mother of a 13 year old daughter I must say that you have changed my mind about allowing my daughter to learn to surf,she took a summer camp with another camp and I was quite upset at the way she was treated as well as her friends that took the camp.In short the instructors did not teach them to well, let them go on thier own and well just treated them unprofessionaly.I was on the beach and saw the way they handled the girls and I was a bit upset,They seem to care more about what they were doing that night than the girls.When one of the girls had a problem, they did not help her but instead,laughed and did even less to help her.The girls only wanted to have a good time and learn how to surf.
I was at the point that I was not going to allow her to take any more surfing camps until one of our friends told us about your camp.I was not going to allow her to try again but after her nagging me, I gave in.
I was quite surprised to hear that you where giving the lessons and that you asked me to stay and watch.I did and was very happy to see that you and your staff not only got the girls surfing but they were supervised the entire time in the water, and on the beach.
Thank you and we will be back next summer for your camp.I also recommeded your school to everyone I know..
Susan W.
Surf2live, As a woman in her 30s I always wanted to learn to surf, I took a few lessons while on vacation but did not do to well, I found your site and signed up for one of your group lessons, I was shocked at how easy you made it, Elliot was teaching the class and after only 10 minutes of instruction on the beach, I was up and standing on my second wave.The way the instructors worked with me was insane, it seemed they knew exactly what to tell me to correct any mistakes I made and the best day of my life.Well I am now a surfer girl ,surfing on my own and I have surf2live to thank.
Joan West
Surf2live rocks, the best surfing school,the best instructors.
Ok so the fact was I was scared, never surfed before and in my late 20s I was confussed and almost backed out but being a woman who does not back down, I went for it.The second I walked on the beach and saw Elliot he made me feel very comfortable, by the time the lessons started, I was ready and he ,well just made it so easy and fun that I got hooked.I was amazed that I was up and standing on my first wave.He taught me how to turn, get through waves and catch waves.After a few lessons I brought a board and now surf on my own...Thank you so much.
Jenny Stevens
Elliot, as a 40 year old man I thought learning how to surf was beyond me but you changed that, you made learning easy starting with your beach instruction and then in the water, you helped me understand the in's and out's of the sport and had me up quickly.I now surf all the time and thanks to you.
P.S not only have you started me on the road of this great sport but your teaching of the right of way in surfing has not only saved me from any problems with locals, but I am now welcome in any line up I surf.You showed me the right way.
Thanks
Ray
Elliot, Not sure if you remembered me, but I was the girl that was getting an surfing lesson with someone else and I saw you giving a lesson at the same beach, my instructor had little clue of what I was doing wrong, I could not get it, falling and falling I was ready to give up until I tried you, you knew right away what I was doing wrong and corrected it in a few waves, I got it.Your method is great and look forward to surfing again soon.
Carol..
Elliot, I got a gift certificate for my birthday with you and after one lesson, I am hooked, well done, your teaching, your understanding and best of all your sense of humor made the lesson the best birthday present I ever got.
Thanks
John
SURF PALS
Hi Elliot, I can't thank you enough for the wonderful experience Jay had yesterday. I've seen therapists with years of formal training that did not command his trust, attention and focus the way you did--and certainly not as quickly. Beginning with the clerk at the bagel store on Lido Boulevard and continuing later in the day at our neighborhood pool with everyone he saw---"I went surfing with Elliot" was his mantra for the day--coupled with a giant smile from ear to ear. Speaking as a parent of a child with autism, and not as a representative of my company, I highly recommend you to any other parent seeking a surfing experience for their child. As I mentioned to you yesterday, we will be away next week but I'd love to book another appointment for the morning of Sunday, July 8. Please let me know if this is possible. Thanks again very much. All the best, Marc
Surf Pals - Sept 2007 Long Beach
Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone at Surf Pals for an incredible day at Long Beach yesterday. We couldn't have ended our summer in a better way. It was my son's first time ever in the ocean and he loved it. He surfed several times with Marvin and he had a ball. Marvin was great with him, so patient. I am very grateful to everyone involved in making yesterday happen!! Kerrie Ferrara (and Paul)
Dear Surf2Live, It was a thorough and unique pleasure for our family to take part in the Surf Pals- Surfing with Autism- event held in Long Beach September 4th. The passion and confidence expressed by Master Surfing Instructor Elliot Zuckerman and other volunteer instructors drew our son without hesitation into the waves. Nothing short of sensational! Such a great time! Larry Fitzpatrick, Williston Park
As the father of an autistic 5 year old boy, I will do just about anything to expand his view of the world and let him have some fun too. So when I found out about a program tying in surfing and autism, I was all over it. Due to a mix up in dates however, we showed up at Long Beach literally a day late. After asking around the beach, some surfers pointed to Elliot and said he might know something. Boy did he ever! Elliot confirmed that yes, it was the day before, yes, he did know about the program, in fact, he worked with them! He said just have seat, play in the surf, and as soon as he finished with his current class, he'd see what could be done. This being Josh's first time at the ocean, I was skeptical how he would perceive it. No problem there, he took right to it. Well, Elliot came back and said "hey, I've got some time between classes, how about I take him out?" You couldn't stop Josh from taking Elliot's hand and heading into the surf. Elliot didn't have to do this, but he did. He then spent the next 45 minutes with Josh on the board. The pictures we have of him are, as the commercial says, priceless. And when all was said and done, Elliot didn't charge us. He wouldn't take anything. He said the smile on Josh's face was enough. Well, here it is January, and Josh still talks about Long Beach and surfing. Not bad for a boy whose memory usually fades after 2 weeks. I am definitely heading back to Long Beach, and this time, I will call Elliot and only Elliot, because I know he will take the time and effort to make sure Josh has a good time. Keep up the good work, Elliot! Chris Love, father of Joshua.
I just wanted to thank you & all of the Surf Pals for allowing me to participate in your program on Tuesday. Elliot was outstanding. I have no idea how he can stradle that wide surf board. It was a pleasure meeting all of you. If there are any pictures out there of the day please foward them. I would like to see them. Does Surf Pals have a web site? One again, Thank You! Jack Mahoney
Surf Pals - Sept 2007 Devon England
I recently took my 12 year old son and 8 year old daughter to a most fantastic day at Bigbury on Sea for children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I would never have considered taking my son surfing; assuming that he would not have the balance or the co-ordination necessary to be successful and that instructors would find him difficult to teach. How wrong I was! Within a very short time he was standing on the board and riding the surf. He was thrilled and I was amazed. My daughter was taught by Elliot and she also had a fantastic time. My face must have been a picture as I watched them. Elliot told me that if I grinned any more then my cheeks would crack. It was a great day! All the instructors had such patience and understanding with the children and helped them all to achieve so much. It is certainly a day that I will never forget. THANK YOU! Nicky Ruane
My son Alfie was fortunate enough to take part in the Surf2live event which took lace at Bigbury beach in Devon, in the United Kingdom. What a fantastic day! The atmosphere was incredible, all these special people giving such an amazing experience to our kids. Elliot was wonderful with my son. We cried, we laughed, we had the most brilliant day. We shall never forget it. We look forward to doing it all over again next year. Thank you so much. xxx Tonia Gonzalez (UK)
Hi Elliot! Just a quick note to say you should all be really proud of yourselves for organising such a fantastic event at Bigbury on Saturday. You were so busy I didnt get the chance to say hello, so wanted to let you know what a wonderful day it was, I got chatting to several parents, and everyone was having a great time. It was great to chat to Jane (Toms Mum) and to watch how patient and loving she was with Tom who eventually liked the idea of being on the board after an hour and a half in the water!! I ended up staying all day and watching the afternoon session as well. Well done to everyone! Geraldine, Ashley House Printing Company, UK
Dear Elliot, I just wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had at the weekend and to thanks you so much for organising it all! It was a privilege to be there amongst such inspirational people- mostly our children! The energy and love
on that beach was tangible. We are very keen to organise a similar event in Kent next year and would appreciate any help you can give us- we will keep in touch. Our sincere thanks to all involved!!! Kindest Regards, Sue Cakebread and Family
Mate Elliot! Sign us up for your 2008 UK tour! We're there. You have given us the most profound, incredible, eye-opening experience ever! We can't thank you enough for introducing us to all these wonderful children and their families. But most of all, we can't thank you enough for introducing us to YOU! All our very, very best, from your UK surf mates at Discovery Surf School in Devon, UK. Matz, Luke, Rachel, Rosie, Katie, Olly and Martin xxx
Dear Elliot, Thanks for a fantastic experience on Saturday. Tom and I really enjoyed it -- after getting over Tom's initial response :-) I met some amazing people who are just so keen to see the kids succeed -- it was a brilliant atmosphere! We are going to try again with Tom and have some tuition from Rachel at Discovery Surf School. Please thank all of your team -- it was absolutely amazing! WELL DONE! Thanks again. Jane Graham (Tom's mum) UK
Hiya Elliot! I was one of the "unqualified" instructors at Bigbury-on-Sea, and after that amazing experience, I've decided to finish my certification and start teaching surfing. Most of all, I want to carry on working with autistic and special needs children. That one day working with you has got to be one of the most inspirational moments in my life -- life changing! You're a hero, Elliot! Tim Gunstone, UK
Dear Elliot, thank you for a fantastic day on Saturday 8th Sept. 2007! Billy loved every minute of it! Please let us know if you're doing other events with autistic children/adults as wel would love to tell all our readers about the work you do. I am writing an article on the day, so will send you a copy of the magazine when it is out. Many thanks again for a truly wonderful day. Regards, Polly Tommey, Editor, The Autism File (www.autismfile.com) UK
Dear Elliot, thank you very much for organising the surfing day on Saturday 8th September and for letting Matthew participate. He had a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoyed his surfing lesson. It was a fantastic experience. Best wishes, Margaret Ladbury, UK
Dear, dear Elliot, Although Sophie did decide not to participate with the surfing on Saturday I just wanted to thank you for letting us come along. The people running the event were really helpful and we appreciated you spending so much time chatting to Sophie to see if she could be persuaded to join in, and I was really disappointed that she wouldn't. The only consolation from my perspective is that she did go in the water on her own and thoroughly enjoyed it, and tried to swim - something I wouldn't have anticipated. Congratulations on a very well run event. It was a lovely day to be on the beach at Bigbury and Sophie enjoyed having the goody bag. Lesley Hughes, UK
Elliot: I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic day we had on Sat. Probably the most rewarding day I have ever spent. As you know we went along to volunteer our help with Surf 2 Live for children with Autism. We left home at 6.30 a.m & drove to Bigbury On Sea in Devon on what was one of the best days of the year weather wise. It was absolutely glorious. When we arrived it was our job to get the children fitted up for wetsuits & then get them into a wetsuit , which was a feat in itself. Children who suffer with Autism very often don't like wearing their clothes & they certainly
don't like wearing anything tight or constrictive. For these children clothes can feel like a lead weight. We then took them down to the waters edge to be handed over to a surfing instructor. We couldn't believe you and your team had only just arrived from New York the day before. You were all so friendly & happy - not a sign of jet lag in sight. Other surfing instructors were from the UK & had spent a day training with you the day before. Just to say you are a larger than life American and it was moving for me to see howl moved to tears you were when you saw the sheer joy on these children's faces. Good job we were all wearing sunglasses is all I can say. Some of the children were very chatty, whilst others did not talk or make eye contact, but one little boy of about 10 stuck in my mind. Liam's Mum said "he doesn't talk much". Whilst we were trying to put the wetsuit on him, he said nothing & avoided eyecontact even though we were talking to him all the time. You could see by his face that he was hating every minute of it. We took him down to the sea & handed him over to an instructor. Gradually we watched him relax a little & within minutes a big smile came across his face. His smile got bigger & bigger & you could see he was loving every minute. We returned to the wetsuit tent to continue to help
the other as they arrived. We saw a total of 112 children that day. About an hour later, Liam's Mum came to ask if he could keep the wetsuit on for a bit longer as he had finished his session but wanted to play in the sea. She thanked us for our help & support & said "He has smiled more today than he did when we took him to Disneyland". We received so many thanks you & positive feedback from so many people, parents, carers, brothers, sisters & the children taking part Themselves.
It was a wonderful experience, in fact, life changing, & we wouldn't have missed it for the world. Katrina/HSBC, UK
Elliot, What a wonderful and exciting day we had last Saturday - thank you so much. The children said "it was the best day ever" a wonderful experience for them both. It was especially exciting for Lucy (who is often in Arthur's shadow) as the american surfer she was with -- YOU! (nearly 2 hours!) said she was fantastic and had real talent, wonderful balance and we should take it up - it gave her a real boost - a potential surf chick in the making! It was also a surprise to see Mary Reeve there, Arthur's language and communication therapist. I passed all the information and what a wonderful day we had to our Autism Group here in Shepton Mallet - I think they all wished they had come. It goes without saying if you are doing it or other things again please remember us here in Somerset. Best wishes and again Thank you, Paula Blight, UK
Hi there, We just wanted say a BIG THANK YOU for giving our son Luke the opportunity to have a lesson in surfing, he was very nervous about it but at the same time excited, and once he started there was no stopping him, myself and my
husband thoroughly enjoyed watching him and cant wait to take him for further lessons. Luke really really enjoyed himself and cant wait to be a pro at the sport.
So thanks again to everyone involved, we could see how much effort and hard work had gone into arranging the whole day,and of course the cost. Thumbs up to all you guys who made this day possible,give yourselves a big pat on the back you deserve it. Kind regards, Gayle & Barrie Cullum, UK
Thankyou so much to Elliot and his team - my kids and I had a fantastic time at Bigbury. I know that I wasn't the only mum blubbing in the water at the absolute joy on the faces of the children who were surfing. I couldn't believe that my daughter, who is autistic, let Elliot take her by the hand and introduce her to the people on the beach - she NEVER lets anyone hold her hand normally. It was lovely to see so many people willing to give their time and energy to help our kids - it was greatly appreciated and we can't wait to do it again! Diane Werker (Saskia and Gabriel's mum), UK
We would like to thank you and your team, Elliot, as well as all the surf instructors and helpers for a great day at Bigbury-on-Sea. Jo and Tom thoroughly enjoyed it and particularly for Tom his success on the borad took his mind off school and lifted his spirits. Ellis also enjoyed it but found the lure of climbing the rocks too great!!! Many, many thanks for providing this opportunity. They also loved the goody bags. Tom now wants a surf board for christmas! Many thanks, Bernie and Nick Pagon, UK
Now the dust has settled I just wanted to say thank you very much for including us in the Breaking the Barrier day. Our children had the most wonderful time and are now keen to carry on surfing! It was great to meet you Elliot and the others and we're so grateful to you all for giving us such a super day. It was particularly nice that some of the brothers and sisters could take part, as being the sibling of a
special-needs child can be tough at times. We would love to try to bring something like this to Kent, if you think this would be OK?
Thanks again, all the best from Liza (and Rosie Scholefield, Bailey Abson and Max
Cakebread and their families) UK
Thanks for a great day and all the hard work that you must have put into it. I know a great number of people must have been involved, but I hope that all of those happy faces made it worthwhile. If it does run again we will definately be there and I will pass on how good it was to the teachers at Combe Pafford School to encourage
others. Thanks again. Pete Hutchins, UK
Hi There Elliot, though this is somewhat rather late, I would like to join my daughter and her husband, Gayle & Barrie Cullum. in grateful thanks for the events day spent at Bigbury.Devon. in September. We were late arriving causing grandson Luke to miss his slotting in time. Evenso, Luke did not miss out. He must have spent at least one hour with his instructure (also named Luke) learning the art. He later announced he would like a surf-board for Christmas!! It was quite a task for me to get to the waters edge,(I even had a paddle)but it brought great reward. The look on those kids faces brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. Families and friends were a hootin\' and a hollerin\' at the accomplishment of each child. It made one feel so very proud yet humble at what these kids where achieving. I feel quite emotional now just recounting the day. You made a difference to peoples lives. So Elliot, you and your team should be more than proud of yourselves for that, that you attain working with children with learning difficulties and other disabilities. I for one am certainly very proud of what I saw you achieve on the day. At the end of the session when we were sitting on the beach having refreshments, (all very good) you even took the time to come over and give Luke a 'High 5'. Wishing you and your team continued success and hopefully might see you again next year. My Very Best Wishes To You. Kind Regards. Jonquil Corns.S.Devon.UK. 13/10/07.