It's a #LoveVision
This event appears to be about taking someone who is blind surfing. It is not, not that, however, the vision of surfing for vision is so much more.
The blind that participate in our event are the courageous. They are the healed ones. Mentors for the millions as we together through our shared experience send a message worldwide to those that are diagnosed with an incurable eye disease that are in some cases paralyzed by fear if they lose their vision faster than technology can save it that there is an amazing life to be lived beyond ones physical ability to see.
The Surfer instructors, volunteers and guests are un-blinded as they witness a powerful community of rock stars that are absolutely amazing.
" Born with Glaucoma I was told at 16 that it was a good idea to learn braille. Instead I turned to drinking, taking drugs, jumping in and settling for bad relationships. I lived in a secret fear that no one will love me if I go blind. I understand the battlefield of the mind very well. The words If I go blind I'll just end my life." left my lips. The doctors addressed my eyes, however, no one was talking to me about what I was really going through. Today I consider my self an overcomer, part of that is being 38 years sober. Living each day with gratitude for the vision I do have vowed never wasting a day in a made up version of the future in my mind, alone on a corner with a cup begging, Today we are reaching back in gratitude, sharing experiences and changing mind set, live in the power, not in the fear is what leaves my lips today. Join us and be part of the VISION."
Michael Benson founder Visual Experience Foundation
WHEN & WHERE
Date: August 20, 2022
Event check-in 8 am to 11am
surfing and Fun 9 am- 3 pm
Location: Long Branch NJ Beachfront
*Rain or shine we are coming together
DETAILS
Surfer Registration is open to those who are Visual impaired, blind Legally Blind, and those diagnosed with unstoppable vision loss.
*We have had deaf surfers that also suffer from vision loss. This year the event is open to the deaf community, however, you must have your own SSP on site
$0 registration fee
Please register above by clicking the registration box that best describes you. This year we are asking each participant and guest to pay a registration fee. Those that come to the event will receive a Surfing for Vision Beach Sun Shirt. As thing are now opening up and mask mandates ending we have the opportunity to have our event. The City of Long branch is providing the beach, the lawn, the lifeguards, wave runner etc. We have found 25% register and do not come to the event and the guest traffic is typically more than registration. This year we are asking each person to pre register so we can have and more accurate estimate of attendees for the city. Our concern is having the city provide these services without indicating to them if we expect 50 or 200 people on the beach this year. The city of Long Branch is behind us and we respect this relationship.
This will be an awesome day that will provide each participant to have a surfing experience. Feel the wind and ocean spray on your face, hear the beach and ocean sounds, taste the salt in the air, and burn in your mind's eye the thrill of riding a surfboard. You will be instructed and have someone with you at all times helping our riders experience the thrill of a lifetime.
All that is needed is you and your bathing suit. Expert surfers, water certified safety people as well as lifeguards will be on hand. Life jackets and surfboards will be provided. registration is limited to 100 surfers so apply today.
Christian surfers will be providing free surfing lessons for family members and guests of the participants and the Long Branch Lifeguard team will be taking all out for wave runner pull rides. This is a great day of fun and inspiration for all.