Returning for its third year, A Walk on Water’s East Coast chapter is coming to Montauk for the annual fundraiser and charity event.
The weekend event brings together around 150 athletes and families for two days of surf therapy sessions for kids with special needs, all taking place at The Montauk Beach House on Friday and Saturday, September 7 and 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days to support the work of A Walk on Water.
After the surf therapy sessions end on Saturday, there will be even more awesome activities going on including live and silent auctions to raise funds, DJ sets to keep you grooving and much more.
Photo James Katsipis
If this is your first time getting familiar with AWOW, let us explain a little about what the amazing group does. All around the States, AWOW gives children with special needs or disabilities the chance to experience the ocean’s transformative powers through surf therapy. “For one perfect, restorative day at the beach, there are no labels. Everyone is an Athlete.”
The organization’s success comes from special collaborations with local communities, businesses, volunteers and watermen to help those in need experience the calming and therapeutic effects of the ocean and showcase the best of surf culture in the process.
Attendees of AWOW events, including the one this weekend, are keen to experience the surf therapy sessions, where expertly trained athletes guide them through surf instructions to experience the magical thrill of a walk on water, experiencing the true “stoke” of surfing and a sense of pride and accomplishment while being cheered on by family and friends. At day’s end, attendees are presented with the trophy they earned in front of their adoring fans.
Photo James Katsipis
Though the sessions are centered around surfing, of course, they are much more than that. The entire family is treated to a special day of respite, complete with healthy food and drink, music, art, fitness and more.
Sound like something you may be into? Here’s how to get involved if you’re around the Montauk area this weekend. Head over to awalkonwater.org to discover more about AWOW. General admission tickets are free, but donations are highly appreciated. You can find more info on tickets here.
If you’re unable to physically make it out to the event, but you still want to be a swell guy/gal, consider donating to the fine folks of AWOW and follow their weekend in Montauk on Instagram by following @awalkonwater.
Photo James Katsipis
Hope to see you out this weekend!
