Gulf Coast Surf & Beach Festival: A Day of Waves and Hope in Fort Myers!

1046 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL - The waves are calling! On Saturday, July 19, the Gulf Coast Surf & Beach Festival will return to Fort Myers Beach from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exciting event will take place at Crescent Beach Family Park, located at 1046 Estero Blvd. It’s not just a day at the beach; it’s a celebration hosted by Surfers for Autism, a nonprofit committed to positively impacting children and young adults with autism and developmental delays through the joy of surfing. What better way to foster connection and support than by riding the waves together?

Registration isn’t just a formality—it’s key to ensuring the safety and fun for all participants. The festival caps registration at 200 surfers, offering a manageable group size that allows everyone a fair share of time in the water. Not to mention, registered participants, their families, and volunteers will enjoy a complimentary lunch. Volunteers are essential for the event, and with no surfing experience necessary, this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to lend a hand and enjoy a free meal in the process!

About Surfers for Autism

Since its humble beginnings in 2008 with the first event at Deerfield Beach, Surfers for Autism (SFA) has grown tremendously, reaching numerous families and communities. These surfers from South Florida have made waves well beyond local shores, with events now hosted across Florida and even internationally. The organization focuses on how the art of surfing can provide a positive outlet for children diagnosed with autism. They consistently receive accolades, including proclamations from local governments as well as features in Autism Parenting magazine and a highlight on NBC Nightly News in 2010 in a segment titled „Make a Difference“ reports Eventbrite.

Not only do they serve up some serious surf vibes, but Surfers for Autism also fosters community spirit. Typically, events will draw up to 200 registered surfers, with around 350 volunteers on the beach and a crowd of up to 5,000 supporters cheering them on. The growing demand for SFA’s events speaks volumes about their impact and the love that people have for this initiative as highlighted on Surfers for Autism’s donation page.

Get Involved!

If you’re inspired by the work that Surfers for Autism does and want to contribute, there are numerous ways to make a difference. The organization is dedicated to keeping surf events free for families, which is why community support through donations is crucial. Contributions can be made easily via Venmo, or mailed to their Jensen Beach address, and they are more than happy to provide receipts for tax deductions. Transparency is a priority, so anyone interested in financial statements can easily get in touch with their accounting department as noted on their donation page.

For anyone looking to register for the event, help out as a volunteer, or just find out more about Lee County Parks & Recreation, you can visit leeparks.org, or contact them at 239-533-7275 or via email at leeparks@leegov.com. Don’t forget to keep an eye on social media too, where updates and excitement are shared with a wave of enthusiasm!

So whether you’re a surfer, a volunteer, or just a supporter, mark your calendars and dive into the action at the Gulf Coast Surf & Beach Festival. Indeed, this is more than just an event; it’s a chance to surf through life together and make lasting memories.