Israel Paskowitz loves surfing. As a former competitive surfer, he has spent much of his life in the ocean and absorbed in a community of athletes that share a special connection with the water. Surfing is often thought of as a spiritual hobby that brings peace and relaxation to those who experience it. However, it was not until Israel's son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism that the sport became an even more valuable part of his life. Like many children with autism, Isaiah often suffered from sensory overload--simple sensations often overwhelmed him. His parents sought out treatment and therapies, but nothing seemed to truly help their son. Then one day, Israel decided to take Isaiah out surfing with him near their California home. Israel realized almost immediately that the ocean had a positive effect on his son. It seemed to calm him and bring him respite and peace in a way no other activity or place had done. Soon after that day, Israel and his wife, Danielle, decided that they wanted to share this unique therapy with other children with autism. They began to host day camps at the beach where children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing. From there, Surfer's Healing was created. Knowing first hand what it's like having a child with disabilities is most likely the reason that Israel and Danielle do not charge any fees for their camps and have established Surfer's Healing as a public, nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.