Surfers hit the beach to Hang Ten for Autism

High-fives and smiles were in abundance as surfers took to the water for the 6th annual Hang Ten for Autism event. 

Compound Boardshop hosted the event the included more than 150 volunteers to help 70 children learn to navigate the waves Saturday morning at Siesta Key Beach. The waves were gentle enough for volunteers to teach surfers how to surf and use stand-up paddleboards for several hours. 

The event invited children from Pinnacle Academy in Lakewood Ranch for a day at the beach to learn how to surf. Pinnacle Academy is a private school with a focus on educating children on the autism spectrum and related behavioral disorders. Pinnacle Academy Director Kirstina Ordetx watched her students take on waves during the event that many of the families plan their month around.  

"They literally wait for the email to come out because it’s such a great opportunity for them," Ordetx said. "It’s an opportunity for those kids to get out in the water and make some new friends. You can feel the passion from the volunteers and the kids out there."

Many children in attendance have participated in the event in past years. For parents Jason and Shelly Bishop, the event is the highlight of the season for their 5-year-old son Gabriel who was diagnosed the autism spectrum. 

This year marks the third for her son to attend and each year he’s been paired with the same volunteer Patrick Ryan. The two have formed a bond over their shared love of surfing and the ocean.

“This is the event of the year for them,” Shelly Bishop said. “Gabe is a surf kid, he’s just the happiest in the water. I think the wave pounding on his body is something that works for him.”