Ride-A-Wave

I guess I’m one of those «hot humanitarian chicks in bikinis» Salty Von B. writes of in the only other review for RAW. While I’m flattered, I’m surprised no one else has shared the wonders of what it is that makes Ride A Wave so amazing.
For a few weeks every spring/​summer, Ride A Wave hosts children and adults with a range of disabilities from all over California to participate in the wonders of the Pacific Ocean at Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz.
On any given weekend in May or June, you will see a host of volunteers aiding in great kayaking, boogie boarding and surfing times! You don’t have to be a water person to volunteer either. RAW is a completely volunteer based organization, and we can use you no matter what your skill set is. We always need folks on the beach to help keep our «campers» comfortable and safe. Sometimes it’s just about being someone’s special friend for the day.
And trust me when I say this is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I’ve helped calm the nerves of an Autistic child get over his fears of the water to watch him completely wig out at how cool kayaking can be (and then not want to leave the boat, but that’s another story). Every year we host children with pediatric cancers… knowing full well that we may not see them again next year… and for a couple of hours RAW makes it possible for them to just be kids again. No worries about needles and doctors. Just kids splashing around, throwing sand, enjoying life.
Ride A Wave is outfitted to handle the most challenging of disabilities, and we try and accommodate everyone who comes to our camps. Regardless of how much is going on in your life, I always ask people to just come down for a day and check us out. I promise you will leave completely changed.