Atlantic City Volunteers Give Kids With Disabilities Surf Time

Volunteers in Atlantic City are proving that the ocean belongs to everyone, one wave at a time.

Each summer, dozens of helpers dive into the Atlantic to share what they call the "Heart of Surfing" with children who have disabilities. The annual event transforms the beach into a place where autism, mobility challenges, and other conditions don't keep anyone from riding the waves.

Cindy Fertsch co-founded the nonprofit after watching her son Jamie, who was on the autism spectrum, light up while surfing with his dad. When Jamie passed away in 2020, she knew the best way to honor him was to keep sharing that same joy with other families.

"We actually started the program for my son Jamie," Fertsch said. "We carry on in honor of his legacy and continue with our work with Heart of Surfing."

The program pairs experienced surfers with kids who might not otherwise get the chance to feel the rush of catching a wave. Volunteers wade into the water, steadying boards and providing support so every child can experience that moment of gliding across the surface.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just the surfing. It's watching strangers become friends as they lift children onto boards and cheer when they catch their first wave.

"We're all just here to lift one another," Fertsch explained. "I'm honored to be a part of it because I get to know some of the coolest kids in the world."

The volunteers come back year after year, drawn by the pure happiness on the kids' faces. Parents watch from shore as their children discover abilities they didn't know they had, supported by a community that sees potential instead of limitations.

Heart of Surfing proves that inclusion isn't about special accommodations or separate programs. Sometimes it's as simple as strong hands, willing hearts, and a belief that everyone deserves to feel the power of the ocean beneath them.