June was incredible. We have such an amazing volunteer team, every event runs more and more like a well  oiled machine. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK THE VOLUNTEERS YOU INTERACT WITH. They are the bones of this organization. Special thanks to Heather Kelpin - Ross, she's our behind the scenes powerhouse.

Please remember us for your Giving Tuesday holiday or end of year donation plans. Stay tuned for more. And THANKS! 


 
 
July’s event is again hosted by TMCF, the Tommy McNamara Charitable Foundation. Everyone will great, gorgeous free tee shirts and Special Surfers got a great and much needed donation! Thanks TMCF!. Last year, it rained like crazy but we didn’t miss a beat. The surf was delightful and gentle. We saw so many of our event veterans and welcomed so many new faces. Let's hope July 23 will grace us with a good day!

 
 
We all need to shout a huge thanks to our volunteers. Without them, we would not have an event. Special thanks to the crews who register our participants and volunteers for their monthly reports. These reports allow us (me) to decide when to put out the (sometimes frantic) call for action! Thanks!
 
Big shout out to YCCAC (York County Community Action). Without their FREE Shuttle service, the place would have been a MESS! Kim Engel, you rock!

Holy Donut- we can't express how popular this table is. WOW, DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing the love.

June blew our record numbers away. WELCOME ALL. We love to share the stoke.
 
All of our wonderful beach neighbors. Thank you for your patience, parking spots, water and cheers. This truly IS a community effort. Much love to all.
 
2022 Volunteers                Participants (Special Surfers)
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    June            234                                                           99                                         
         July              259                                                          122                                             
August       296                                                           120                                   

2021 Volunteers                Participants (Special Surfers)
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June                 149                                                    74                                               
July                  205                                                    88                                              
August             252                                                   120                                              
 
 
With our new website, we’re still working out the kinks but having online waiver signing was a huge hit! Registration for each event is now open one month before each event.
 
 
Check out the new video from Martin’s Point Healthcare at Martin's Point Healthcare video Special Surfers It’s AMAZING! Thanks Russell Phillips, and thank you Martin’s Point for your continuing support!
 
With all the work that goes into these events, I (we) always come away with full heart(s). I find that once someone comes to experience this event, they’re a lifer. Thanks again for sharing your life with us. All of us are better for it.
 
Share the stoke every day.
Nanci
 

Special Surfers is a non-profit organization (501(c)3) that provides the opportunity for people with special needs to surf. There is no cost to participants or their families, and all equipment and instruction is provided. Special Surfer events are held on the third Tuesday of each month in June, July, and August at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk, Maine. We have hundreds of special surfers and volunteers at each event providing a real sense of community and accomplishment for all. 

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​“...Once A Hero, always A Hero. Once you come and share this amazing event, you’re hooked.”

​​WHO IS CONSIDERED A SPECIAL SURFER?

​Any child or young (at heart) adult that has special needs (physical, mental, or emotional) is welcome to come. ​Please consult with your doctor if you have concerns. If you feel like your child or young adult is a good candidate, bring us your Special Surfer!
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Register Here

Learn More

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​SPECIAL SURFERS ARE SUPERKIDS

​Kids and young (at heart) adults with Special Needs. Often these are people who, in their everyday lives struggle to feel like they fit in, like the world has a place for them. When they come for an evening of fun at the beach, it’s all about them. We have no rules, no expectations. We want them to have fun. That’s it. Some of these kids and young adults lead pretty structured and even humdrum lives. Many of their parents dream of enjoying watching their child excel at things average people take for granted. When they come to Special Surfers Night, they watch their children and friends shine. We are families of special needs children and young adults who love to experience things in life that bring joy and excitement.

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ABOUT
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Special Surfers is a lot of things.
We are kids. We are young at heart adults.
We are COMMUNITY.
​We are smiles. We are free.
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DONATE
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Please help us to continue to provide the experience of a lifetime for these Special Surfers and their families by considering a donation. Your donation allows us to continue to run these events at no cost to our surfers.
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Find Out How