Hawthorne Pacific Corp. sponsored a one-day surf camp for autistic children that was put on by the non-profit group Surfers Healing. Families of autistic children brought their kids down to the Oahu Beach for a free day of surfing with experienced instructors March 2.

Hawthorne Pacific Corp. donated the food, drink and prizes for the children, families, instructors and organizers of the event.

Hawthorne Pacific Corp. has served the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Saipan as the exclusive Caterpillar dealer for sales, rentals, parts and service since 2004.

In Hawaii, Hawthorne Pacific Corp. has locations on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the island of Hawaii to serve customers’ needs. Other allied brands such as Club Car, Toro, Genie and Kubota are available to complement its product line.

Many of the volunteer surf instructors were professional surfers such as Garrett McNamara, Keali’i Mamala, Rusty Keaulana, Kalani Robb, Shane Beschen, and Hawthorne’s own Puna Moller. Jack Johnson, the popular musician and North Shore native, even came down to partake in the action.

“This is the best day of my life,” shouted one of the kids after a great ride.

Paskowitz deemed the event a big success.

Hawthorne Pacific Corp. brought down its well-known BBQ Truck and grilled up tri-tip steak, as well as provided rice, a variety of fruits, fresh vegetables, cookies and drinks for the volunteers, children and their families. Hawthorne also provided free hats and toys for the group.

Surfers Healing was founded by former professional surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his wife, Danielle. Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Like many autistic children, he often suffered from sensory overload — simple sensations could overwhelm him.

Izzy started surfing with Isaiah when he was very young and found that by having Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, while he steered from the back, the two could spend all day surfing together. The ocean waves’ rhythm and calm proved to be therapeutic for Isaiah and in turn for Izzy. Surfing had such a profound impact on Isaiah that Izzy and Danielle decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children and families.

In 2000, Izzy and Danielle founded Surfers Healing and began hosting free day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to the therapeutic qualities of surfing. To the parents of these autistic children, these camps are a rare opportunity to spend a day at the beach in a supportive environment.

Surfers Healing now offers free surf camps to the families of autistic children throughout the year all around the country. Families sign up almost a full year in advance in order to give their children a chance to surf. The volunteer instructors are all the very best professionals and amateurs in the industry.

Autism is a neurological disorder affecting the normal development of the brain in areas dealing with social interaction and communication skills. According to the Autism society of America approximately 1.5 million Americans have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Despite a lot of scientific efforts and medical research, the disorder continues to baffle scientists, making treatment difficult.

Surfers Healing is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and operates solely on donation and support from people within the community.

For more information, www.surfershealing.org. CEG

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