OCEAN HEROES WA
- Care Connect Coordination
- 1 minute ago
- 3 min read
Creating Confidence, Connection and Inclusion Through Surfing
For many families of autistic children and young people, finding activities that are genuinely inclusive, supportive and enjoyable can sometimes be challenging.
That is why organisations such as Ocean Heroes WA are so important.
Ocean Heroes provides autistic people and their families with the opportunity to experience the ocean, learn to surf and build confidence in an environment where they are supported, encouraged and included.
More Than Just Surfing
Ocean Heroes is about much more than learning to stand up on a surfboard.
The organisation was founded on the belief that people on the autism spectrum should have the same opportunities to participate in sport, connect with others and enjoy the incredible natural environment that Australia has to offer.
Surfing can provide opportunities to develop:
Confidence and self-esteem
Physical strength and coordination
Ocean awareness and water safety
Social interaction and communication
Independence
Resilience and problem-solving
A sense of achievement and belonging
For someone who may find traditional sporting environments overwhelming or difficult to access, a carefully supported experience in the ocean can provide a very different opportunity.
Free Ocean Heroes Events
One of the things that makes Ocean Heroes particularly valuable for families is its free events program.
Ocean Heroes hosts free surfing events for autistic participants, providing the equipment, experienced surfers, volunteers and support needed to make the experience safe, welcoming and enjoyable.
Their events can fill extremely quickly, so families interested in participating are encouraged to keep an eye on the Ocean Heroes events page and register through Humanitix when new sessions become available.
If an event is already full, Ocean Heroes recommends joining the waitlist or subscribing through Humanitix so families can receive updates about future opportunities.
What Makes Ocean Heroes Different?
Ocean Heroes recognises that every participant is different.
Some people may be confident around water, while others may be experiencing the ocean for the first time. Some may communicate verbally, while others may communicate in different ways. Some participants may need additional encouragement, reassurance or support to feel comfortable in a new environment.
The organisation's approach is centred around creating a safe and supportive experience rather than expecting everyone to participate in exactly the same way.
Their coaches and volunteers bring experience, patience and an understanding of the needs of neurodivergent participants.
Ocean Heroes also provides the equipment needed for its events, including wetsuits, surfboards and life jackets.
Ocean Heroes WA and the Community
Ocean Heroes has grown from its beginnings in Western Australia into a national organisation, delivering free events and surf experiences across Australia.
The organisation is supported by a huge volunteer community, with volunteers helping both on the beach and in the water. Volunteers can assist with activities such as registrations, wetsuits, life jackets, certificates and supporting participants during their surf experience.
This community approach is an important part of what makes Ocean Heroes possible.
It also demonstrates what can happen when families, volunteers, surf professionals and the broader community come together to create genuine inclusion.
Ocean Heroes Surf Experiences
For families wanting more regular access to surfing, Ocean Heroes also offers individual Surf Experiences in Perth and Geraldton.
These sessions are designed specifically for neurodivergent people and their families and can include learning surfing, swimming, ocean safety and social skills.
The sessions are delivered one-to-one and are tailored around the participant's individual needs and goals. Ocean Heroes advises that eligible self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants may be able to access funding under community participation and social interaction categories.
Families should always check their individual NDIS plan and funding arrangements before booking a service.
How To Find Out More
Families can find upcoming Ocean Heroes events and registration information through the official Ocean Heroes events page:
You can also learn more about their tailored Surf Experiences:
For Tickets through Humanitix click the link
Ocean Heroes is a wonderful example of how sport, community and inclusion can come together to create meaningful opportunities for autistic people and their families.
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