Oceanside CA— “Catch a wave and you’re sittin’ on top of the world.” Those lyrics from the Beach Boys song ‘Catch a Wave’ became reality for students from TERI Inc’s two non-public schools, the Learning Academy and the Country School on Friday, May 4, 2018. Surfin Fire Surf School teamed with Teri Inc. for the eleventh year, to give the students a chance to experience the thrill of catching a wave.
“We have 40 students that went surfing this year,” said Elizabeth Stoker, Administrative Assistant at TERI Inc. “The kids just love it. Water is their favorite thing. Chance, who is one of our students, was grinning ear to ear the whole time. One of the parents told me this event is the highlight of their entire year. We really appreciate everything Surfin Fire Surf School does with the kids.”
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TERI Inc student Chance Osselaer
“My son Sebastian loves this and more importantly, I love this,” said Maria Rittenberg. “All of my other kids are super jealous. What other kids get to go surfing on a day like this. The weather today is a dream. Other years it has been cold but it didn’t matter. We were happy. It is super special.” This was Sebastian’s third time attending the event.
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Sebastian Rittenberg
Sebastian Rittenberg and Surfin Fire volunteer Cameron Sheahan
“Anthony wouldn’t let go of the surfboard. He loved it,” said Vanessa Amesquita. “Anthony has been at the school for a while but this was his first time surfing. It is a really great experience.”
Surfin Fire, owned by Jon Peterson (JP) does about 10 events a year for children with Autism and special needs. To learn more about Surfin’ Fire Surf Camps, visit their website [Link]
TERI Inc, a local Oceanside non-profit, works with individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities and is often a place where families experience hope for the first time. To learn more about TERI Inc, visit their website [Link]