Adaptive Surfing or Beach Day (Huntington)
Details
Preface:
I missed last year (scheduling conflicts), so I'm hoping to attend this year.
This is one of my favorite events.
If this date/location in Huntington Beach is inconvenient, similar events are happening in Santa Monica, La Jolla, and Santa Barbara.
If any group members want to hang out at the beach, this can be a possible meetup.
If any group members want to plan a beach day get-together and hang out together, use the comments section or event chat to coordinate (e.g. discuss carpooling, when & where to meet, etc.). If attending this as a beach day -- then this flexible, so arrive and leave whenever you want.
If volunteering, try to arrive by 7 or 7:30 am.
If not volunteering, i.e. hanging out, then feel free to arrive later, like 9 or 10 am.
The following is for those interested in volunteering. If not volunteering, and just interested in hanging out at the beach, then you can ignore the text below.
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Hi.
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Life Rolls On.
"Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by spinal cord injury" and other disabilities.
They host "epic surf and skate events for wheelchair athletes."
Their videos show what they're about
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2025 Schedule - https://liferollson.org/tour
June 21 @ Santa Monica - https://liferollson.org/santamonica
July 26 @ Venice - https://liferollson.org/venice
Aug 23 @ Huntington Beach - https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Sept 13 @ La Jolla - https://liferollson.org/lajolla
Oct 4 @ Santa Barbara - https://liferollson.org/santabarbara
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Being a surfer or advanced swimmer isn't required.
Owning a wetsuit isn't required either. Renting or borrowing a wetsuit is recommended for those helping in the deep water.
For those who are just calf-high or knee-high in the shallow water, many people seemed fine with just shorts or a swimsuit.
Life Rolls On surfing events are popular and attract hundreds of volunteers, so their online registration will eventually become full and closed.
If anyone wants to help support and cheer on individuals (kids & adults) who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go in the ocean/water, this event is highly recommended.
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FAQ & More Info: https://liferollson.org/volunteer-faq
Video about volunteering: https://vimeo.com/110543459
To help, sign up early at
https://liferollson.org/huntingtonbeach
Online registration for volunteering might get full, but from my observation, they usually allow walk-ons who show up in the morning and sign up in person.
They often accept extra volunteers to help in the water. So if their online registration closes, it should be okay to show up early and register in person.
If anyone doesn't have time to commit for the entire event, that's totally fine. Instead of volunteering for the whole day, feel free to stop by for an hour or two, hang out at the beach, and watch & cheer. Arrive and leave whenever you want.
This is a pretty heart-warming, uplifting, and inspirational event imo.
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Photos:
https://www.meetup.com/socalvolunteers/photos/32876855
https://www.meetup.com/socalvolunteers/photos/32876467
https://www.meetup.com/socalvolunteers/photos/32873306
https://www.meetup.com/socalvolunteers/photos/32532705
https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/photos/32061011
https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/photos/31680741
https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/photos/31807647
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3044099849033371
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3043915855718437
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718146218295414
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1718043311639038
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1299737523469621
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1286605771449463
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1209250355851672
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LifeRollsOnFoundation/photos/?tab=albums
https://www.six12media.com/Surfing/Life-Rolls-On
Videos:
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So a few experienced surfers are designated to help the individuals directly with surfing.
The majority of other volunteers in the water help in a supporting role.
My conjecture is going into the water/ocean can be pretty scary and terrifying for some individuals, especially for those who cannot use their legs (lower body).
The abundance of volunteers in the water can be encouraging and offer some relief to those who might be afraid they can't swim.
The first time I went, it initially looked like "too many" or "more than enough" volunteers. One benefit of having several volunteers is because they need to be scattered throughout and positioned at different locations in case a wave knocks over a participant. If someone goes under water, then somebody nearby should be able to immediately pick him/her up.
So if a participant accidentally loses balance and falls over, or crashes into the sand/beach (since many of them can't use their legs/feet), then a volunteer can help lift him/her above water.
All in all, this is a pretty cool community event imo.
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Recommended items to bring:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes, flip-flops / sandals, towel, water, change of clothes, etc.
Free snacks and water are sometimes provided.
A light lunch is usually provided for volunteers.
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If any group members want to hang out together and watch, feel free to use the discussion section or event chat to coordinate & communicate (when to arrive, where to meet, carpool, etc.).
If any group members want to volunteer on the same team (color), feel free to contact Life Rolls On, and they can try to assign you to the same team.
But if nobody else from the group registers -- fear not, because the other volunteers are friendly & welcoming imo...so you should have fun meeting new people.
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Adaptive Surfing or Beach Day (Huntington)