FLAGLER BEACH --
The surf was far from ideal along the Flagler County coast, but you wouldn't know that if you drove along A1A.
Hundreds of people were in the water, trying to hang ten.
For the first time in its three year existence, the First Coast Surfers for Autism event moved to Flagler County from St. Augustine.
It's an event that brings families with autistic kids from across the country to enjoy some time catching a wave or two.
You would think something like this would be sensory overload for many of these children with special needs.
The president of Surfers for Autism, Don Ryan, doesn't know why that doesn't happen at this event.
?I don't know of an environment, other than this, that you can put a child with autism in front of two or 3,000 people screaming at them and ever have the outcome be good, except for our environment. We can't figure that part out, nor do we care to.?
Jason Eichenholz drove over from Orlando with his family. His son is usually a bundle of pent up energy, until he gets in the water. Only then does he calm down.
?This is our fourth time this year and it is a transformational even for us and our family. To be surrounded by so many people who are trying to help us,? said Eichenholz.
No matter where a Surfers for Autism event is held, the kids love being on the boards and in the water.
?We don't have normal days at the beach. This is a chance for a normal day for us and we love every minute of it. I look forward to this. It's such a great event,? said Eichenholz, trying to put into words what the event means for the families.
It's the only surfing event where success isn't judged on how long you ride the wave.
Just that you're on the water is good enough.
Surfers for Autism is branching out beyond Florida, where it started five years ago.
The organization started the year in Australia and will end the season this October in Puerto Rico.
