It's a #LoveVision
Photo; Surfer has hand on blind surfers shoulders as the both are standing a riding the wave
photo: Guide dog checking out a surf board with ocean in the back ground.,
Photo:: Amazing Ride as surfer holds up young child to standing position to experience surfing a wave
Photo; David Kawut head of the surfing and safty on the left. to the right group gathering shot of the long brach life guards.
This year we will be dedicating our event to Joseph J Ruffalo a great friend who has passed on May 3rd 2022.
We will be dedicating the event and presenting the Joseph J Ruffalo Lifetime Achievement Award. 8:30 am the day of the event.
Joe supported our mission from day 1.
Joe at 67 years of age came to our very first surfing for vision event and went out on a surfer board as our oldest surfer to send a message to all those going blind
Come be part of our award dedication to Joe.
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.
Photo: Joe ruffalo with dark glasses cane in bathing suit with no shirt on. Joe is waiting for his turn to go in the water and get on a surfboard. David Kawut head of safety in front of him. Joe's wife Judy Ruffalo to his left.
WHEN & WHERE
Date: August 20, 2022
Event check-in 7:30 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.