Adaptive sports programs for kids with special needsand their familiesare going mainstream.
The city and surrounding communities are also lined with sandy beaches and board-ready breaks.
When Gnome Surf launched in 2019, it was ahead of the curve, says founder Chris Antao.
Gnome Surf instructor Gage Polgar with a young athlete.Credit:Bre Welch/Gnome Surf
When I started, I didnt know that adaptive sports was a thing.
We were one of about 10 surf therapy organizations now there are 200.
A team of 50 instructors now runs thousands of sessions a year in Rhode Island.
When they come to us, they dont feel judged.
In fact, there are a lot of families going through the same things.
Those friendships are vital to their own social and emotional well-being.
This isnt just a sport, adds Antao, who identifies as neurodivergent himself.
This is life-altering for these families.
Its about community and a sense of belonging: come as you are and be who you are.
