Palm Coast resident Marc Rigoli expresses excitement after catching a big wave. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast 11-year-old Andres Heartz show his enthusiasm as he catches a wave with Darryn Lisenby. Photo by Paige Wilson

Mary Marauder of the Krewe of the 13 poses on the beach. She was one of a large group of pirates who came out to support the event. Photo by Paige Wilson

Naomi Hicks, of Augusta, Georgia, gets excited while riding a wave. Photo by Paige Wilson

Juan Carlos Webber, of Pembroke, has loved coming to the Surfers for Autism event at Flagler Beach for the last few years. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast resident Isaiah Wiggins smiles next to Delilah the mermaid at the Surfers for Autism event. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast resident Marc Rigoli gets ready to catch a big wave. Photo by Paige Wilson

Jose Atiles, of Oviedo, smiles after riding a wave to the shore. Photo by Paige Wilson

Alex Perez, 17, of Orlando, has been to the last eight Surfers for Autism events at Flagler Beach. Photo by Paige Wilson

Waves of smiles: Surfers for Autism attracts large crowd at Flagler Beach

The annual event helps kids with autism spend a day of fun in the sun.

By:

Paige Wilson

Community Editor

Read more about Paige Wilson

Aug. 25, 2018

With white caps crashing the shore, the high waves at Flagler Beach provided an entertaining day in the water for the many kids on the autism spectrum who participated in the annual Surfers for Autism event on Saturday, Aug. 25.

Volunteers spent the day helping participants catch waves on their surfboards, bringing pure joy to the kids' faces.

According to the nonprofit's website, "The Surfers for Autism mission is to unlock the potential of people with developmental delays, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism."

Visit http://www.surfersforautism.org for details. To find more upcoming Surfers for Autism events, visit https://www.facebook.com/surfersforautism/.

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