Individual SURF THERAPY
One-on-one sessions tailored to each athlete’s unique needs. With consistent support from trained instructors, athletes build confidence, resilience, and social-emotional skills while experiencing the healing power of the ocean.
Happy Camp & Day Camps:
Inclusive surf therapy, ocean fun, and connection—all in a single unforgettable beach day
Surf-Fit and Wellness
Where land-based fitness and pool training meet to support mind, body, and ocean readiness.
Caretaker Wellness
A restorative space for those who give so much. Through mindfulness, movement, and community, caretakers recharge, find balance, and strengthen the resilience they bring to their loved ones.
LITTLE LEGENDS WAVE FEST TRAVEL CLINIC
A traveling surf therapy clinic that brings the stoke to new beaches and communities. Athletes and families connect through inclusive surf sessions, celebration, and shared growth—spreading the magic of Gnome Surf beyond our home shores.
Youth Mentorship
Guiding the next generation of surfers and leaders through connection, responsibility, and growth. With support from trained mentors, young athletes build confidence, sharpen skills, and discover the power of belonging to an inclusive surf community.
Costa Rica
An immersive surf therapy adventure designed for our Gnome Surf families and the local Costa Rican community. Together, we share the magic of surfing, connection, and wellness—embracing warm waves, vibrant culture, and the restorative rhythm of pura vida.
Events
From paddle outs to community celebrations, our events bring athletes, families, and supporters together. Each gathering strengthens connection, spreads stoke, and fuels the mission of inclusive surf therapy.
News and Press
From local beaches to global stages—Gnome Surf has made waves in major publications and news programs, innovating and pioneering surf therapy one story at a time.
Images and Videos
View photos from every session—our photographers capture the magic at the beach daily. Browse the galleries and watch videos that bring the Gnome Surf story to life.
REGISTER FOR INDIVIDUAL SURF THERAPY SESSION
Experience the magic of Gnome Surf—book your individual session now
REGISTER FOR SURF THERAPY EVENTS
Celebrate connection, stoke, and community at our surf therapy events
Individual Surf Therapy
At Gnome Surf Therapy, we rewrite the rules of what’s possible. For neurodivergent athletes, traditional team sports often mean sidelines and frustration—but here, your child is the focus. With dedicated 1:1 instruction (and extra support when needed), our adaptive techniques meet athletes exactly where they are, turning “I can’t” into “I’m surfing!” Parents tell us it’s the first time they’ve seen their child thrive in a sport: following steps, conquering fears, and riding waves with glowing confidence. This isn’t just surfing—it’s proof that when care is customized, transformational ripples become waves.
Tj has learned how to be more self-confident and has come out of his shell well, thanks to his Gnome Family. He advocates for himself and is not afraid to try new things even if it is out of his comfort zone. He has a greater understanding that not all people are the same and that we need to accept them for who they are.
A Gnome Surf Parent
Season Pass
Our 8-session Surf Therapy program mirrors traditional therapy—built on consistency, rapport, and growth. Many season pass holders return year after year, working with the same trusted instructors and experiencing the beauty of a consistent, long-term approach. You get priority booking and choice of instructors.
Fantastic Four Pack
Our Fantastic 4-Pack offers four individualized Surf Therapy sessions—the perfect way to dive in, build confidence, and begin forming a strong connection with our instructors.
Single 1 on 1 Surf Therapy Lesson
A personalized introduction to Surf Therapy—focused support, skill-building, and a chance to experience the stoke with one of our trained instructors for one lesson.
The Magic of Consistency
Growth doesn’t happen in a single wave—it emerges through the steady rhythm of weekly sessions. Our Season Pass captures that magic of consistency, much like traditional therapies. Over time, we see quiet transformations: a hesitant smile becoming confident laughter, shaky balance growing into steady rides, and self-doubt transforming into unshakable self-belief. Surfing is the vehicle, but the true destination is social-emotional wellness—stronger self-esteem, deeper resilience, and a powerful sense of belonging.
Social-Emotional Wellness
Surf Therapy builds social-emotional skills by pairing the challenge of the ocean with the support of trusted mentors. Athletes grow resilience, confidence, and connection—strengthening self-esteem, coping strategies, and a lasting sense of belonging that extends beyond the shoreline.
Blue Mind Theory
Surf Therapy is rooted in Blue Mind Theory—the idea that being near, in, or on the water naturally reduces stress and promotes emotional well-being. Time in the ocean calms the mind, improves focus, and fosters joy, while guided sessions help athletes translate that calm into resilience, confidence, and connection in everyday life.
The Journey of our Clinical Director – Dr. B Tubbs, OTD, OTR/L
I learned about adaptive potential long before I ever surfed. My mom survived a severe traumatic brain injury, so I grew up around wheelchairs, therapy sessions, and caregiving. In her aquatic therapy, I watched her float, walk, and move freely in ways she couldn’t on land. Water gave her back something life had taken away. That shaped how I see people: as humans first, not as their diagnoses or limitations.
Surfing found me during my Fulbright U.S. Student Grant in the Philippines. I was homesick, depressed, and questioning everything. Then I caught my first wave. The rush of paddling out, spotting it on the horizon, pushing myself to catch it, and riding it with my eyes open felt like waking up. That rhythm became a lifeline.
When I came back to the U.S., I somehow ended up in the Arizona desert of all places, doing my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I buried myself in school and forgot about the ocean for a while. But when it came time to design my OTD Capstone, I knew it had to center on surf therapy. That search led me to ISTO and eventually to Chris Antao at Gnome Surf. Meeting him in Costa Rica and seeing Gnome’s work felt like everything clicking into place.
Now as Gnome’s VP of Programs & Clinical Director, I get to blend clinical practice with innovation every day. I design evidence-based programs, develop instructor training protocols, lead research initiatives, and mentor our team of certified surf therapy instructors. My mom showed me that water restores. Surfing reminded me who I am. And through developing Gnome’s programs, I get to create pathways for others to find that same transformation in the waves.
Meet Some our Surf Therapy Instructors
Our Beaches
Horseneck Beach, Westport, MA
This beach is located at 5 John Reed Rd in Westport, MA. Park near the Gnome trailer at the far end of the lot, then access the beach and walk right on the paved path to the Gnome flags near the last lifeguard stand.
South Shore Beach, Little Compton, RI
This beach is located at 1 South Shore Road in Little Compton, RI. Give the athlete's name to the gate attendant, drive to the far end of the beach, and look for us near the creek at the last lifeguard stand.
Second Beach (Surfer's End), Middletown, RI
This beach is located at 315 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI. The parking lot is on either side of the street. The instructor will be waiting for you to the left side of the beach that is in front of the parking lot.
Fenway Beach, Westerly, RI
This beach is located on 4 Wawaloam Rd., Westerly, RI. The instructor will be waiting for you near the beach entrance.
Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA
This beach is located on 212 Nantasket Ave in Hull, MA. When you enter the beach, please park in the lot and we are located under the pergola (adjacent to the playground).
Nahant Beach, Nahant, MA
This beach is located at 400 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA. When you enter the parking lot, please park near Beach Access #9.
Jenness Beach, Rye NH
This beach is located at 2280 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH. When you arrive, pull into the parking lot and you'll find our event set up at the Gnome flags on the beach.
Rockaway Beach, Queens NY
This beach is located at 8601 Shore Front Parkway, Far Rockaway, NY at the 67th Street entrance. Cross the boardwalk onto the beach to find our event. You can take the A train or drive, but street parking is very limited.
Port Aransas Beach, Port Aransas TX
This beach is located in Port Aransas, Texas at the end of Lantana Drive. Drive past the Dunes Condominium and you'll find our event set up directly in front of you, with parking just in front of the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! We specialize in neurodivergent athletes of all skills and abilities. Our instructors are trained on different communication skills and techniques. If we are unsure of how best to communicate with an athlete, then we will ask them or you!
Absolutely! Our instructors are able to assist with mobility as needed on the beach/in the water. We generally have additional instructors on the beach to assist as needed as well. In the water, our instructors will keep the athlete safe in the most comfortable position on the board, while still challenging balance, strength, and other skills. If an athlete needs increased trunk support, we have strategies to support athletes on the board for this. Just let our scheduling team and instructors know how to best support the athlete.
We surf with all ages of athletes. We welcome athletes of all abilities, ages, and experiences. As long as you and the athlete are comfortable with it, we will surf with any age of athlete.
100%! While we specialize in working neurodivergent athletes and athletes with additional needs/abilities, we welcome anyone to come surf with us! We are building an inclusive community of families, athletes, staff, and volunteers and are committed to fostering inclusion, regardless of ability, diagnosis, skill, or neurodivergence.
All reschedules are done through your account in our booking system. Once you have completed your purchase, all bookings and reschedules are done by you.
We ask for a 24 hour minimum notice to reschedule a session. You will log into the booking system and reschedule the session yourself. If a cancellation is done within the 24 hours, the booking system will not allow a reschedule.
Surf sessions are subject to cancellation in accordance with official beach closures. If the beach is closed for any reason—including hazardous conditions or public safety concerns—all scheduled surf sessions will be canceled accordingly. We will surf in most weather (including rain) unless there are high winds, thunder, lightning, etc.
Absolutely! We are in the water with the athletes 1:1 to ensure safety and have life-jackets for any and all athletes who need or want them.
Of course! We specialize in neurodivergent athletes of all skills and abilities. Our instructors are trained on different communication skills and techniques. If we are unsure of how best to communicate with an athlete, then we will ask them or you!
Absolutely! Our instructors are able to assist with mobility as needed on the beach/in the water. We generally have additional instructors on the beach to assist as needed as well. In the water, our instructors will keep the athlete safe in the most comfortable position on the board, while still challenging balance, strength, and other skills. If an athlete needs increased trunk support, we have strategies to support athletes on the board for this. Just let our scheduling team and instructors know how to best support the athlete.
We surf with all ages of athletes. We welcome athletes of all abilities, ages, and experiences. As long as you and the athlete are comfortable with it, we will surf with any age of athlete.
100%! While we specialize in working neurodivergent athletes and athletes with additional needs/abilities, we welcome anyone to come surf with us! We are building an inclusive community of families, athletes, staff, and volunteers and are committed to fostering inclusion, regardless of ability, diagnosis, skill, or neurodivergence.
All reschedules are done through your account in our booking system. Once you have completed your purchase, all bookings and reschedules are done by you.
We ask for a 24 hour minimum notice to reschedule a session. You will log into the booking system and reschedule the session yourself. If a cancellation is done within the 24 hours, the booking system will not allow a reschedule.
Surf sessions are subject to cancellation in accordance with official beach closures. If the beach is closed for any reason—including hazardous conditions or public safety concerns—all scheduled surf sessions will be canceled accordingly. We will surf in most weather (including rain) unless there are high winds, thunder, lightning, etc.
Absolutely! We are in the water with the athletes 1:1 to ensure safety and have life-jackets for any and all athletes who need or want them.
Fuel the Magic. Be the Movement. Become a Sponsor
Behind every smile, every breakthrough, every child who finally believes they belong, stands you. Our sponsors and partners aren’t just supporters—they’re the backbone of our mission, the lifeline to our magic. These visionary companies and foundations don’t just write checks; they co-create futures. They invest in communities, champion corporate responsibility, and prove that profit and purpose can ride the same wave.
To our current partners: you’re the reason hope has a heartbeat here. Your mentorship, belief, and unwavering commitment fuel therapies that heal, programs that empower, and a tribe where no one walks alone. To those yet to join us: this is more than charity—it’s legacy. Align your brand with radical joy, unshakable inclusion, and a movement rewriting lives daily.
We don’t just need donors. We need partners who dare to ask, “What if?” What if your logo could stand for love? What if your business could be a beacon?
Join us. Be the tide that lifts every child home.
