Bringing hundreds of children and families together for a day built around surfing, community, and the therapeutic power of surfing, the seventh annual Surfing With Nixon Autism Surf Day is set for September 25 at Revel Surf Park in Mesa, Arizona.
“We’re so excited to bring this event back after it not having a venue the last couple of years,” says Steve Howard, Director of Surfing with Nixon. “It’s going to be a great year, we can’t wait.”
From One Family a Surf Therapy Movement
Founded by Daniel Romney after his son Nixon was born with cerebral palsy, autism and deafness, Surfing With Nixon began as an effort to provide his son with access to meaningful physical and recreational therapy. After discovering how much Nixon loved being in the water, Romney started bringing friends and family together to create a surf therapy experience at Big Surf Water Park in Tempe.
What started small has grown into an event serving more than 400 families affected by autism spectrum disorder in a single day. Professional and passionate surfers from Hawaii, California and Mexico volunteer their time to teach participants how to surf, turning wave riding into an opportunity for movement, connection and therapy.
A Day of Surfing, Family and Community
This year’s event promises plenty beyond the surf sessions, with family activities, food vendors, a professional surf exhibition and a silent auction and raffle. Among the prizes is a chance to win a wave-pool surf trip. Admission is $40 per family, with proceeds supporting Surfing With Nixon’s nonprofit work providing surf therapy experiences for children with autism and other disabilities.
The organization says several hundred kids will have the opportunity to surf during the event, with more than 400 ASD participants attending its previous event. For Josh Kerr, who has donated his time to support the event, the importance of sharing waves goes well beyond the session itself.
“Surfing is magic. It’s life-changing,” shares the Championship Tour veteran. “To be able to share that gift with someone and give back after all it’s given my family and me, it’s what it’s all about. It’s such a privilege to be part of an event like this. The joy it brings to all involved, it makes the world a better place.”
And while his daughter, Sierra Kerr is currently charting her own path in professional surfing, she sees that same spirit in the simple act of getting people in the water together.
“Sharing the stoke, bringing happiness to people’s lives, at the end of the day, this is what surfing is all about,” says Sierra. “Events like this are so important and really showcase the power of riding waves together.”
Surfing With Nixon Autism Surf Day
Sharing the Stoke
After seven years of growth, Surfing With Nixon has become a reminder that surfing doesn’t need to be about competition, progression or perfect waves. Sometimes, it’s simply about getting in the water and sharing the stoke. The seventh annual Surfing With Nixon Autism Surf Day takes place September 25, 2026, at Revel Surf Park in Mesa, Arizona. More information about the event and sponsorship opportunities is available at SurfingWithNixon.org.
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