Red Foundation partners with Surfing the Spectrum

Surfing the Spectrum

Founded by occupational therapist Aimee Blacker and certified surf coach Tahlia Anderson, Surfing the Spectrum is a not-for profit surf therapy initiative. The idea is simple but powerful: provide free learn-to-surf lessons for autistic youth and their families, supported by surf schools, allied health professionals, and volunteers.

These events are held along the New South Wales coastline, turning local beaches into welcoming, inclusive spaces. Children are introduced to surfing in a safe and supportive environment, while families are encouraged to take part too. The impact goes well beyond catching waves. Families leave with new confidence, a sense of connection, and the shared joy that comes from time in the water.

Since launching, Surfing the Spectrum has worked with many youngsters and continues to grow year by year, building awareness and sparking broader conversations about inclusion, disability, and access to the water.

Red Foundation

Officially launched in 2024 to give back to communities around the world, the Red Foundation continues to support projects that connect people with water. From grassroots organisations to established charities, we work with partners who share our values of access, inclusivity, and wellbeing.

Adding Surfing the Spectrum to this network reflects our ongoing commitment to broadening access to the water. We’re not just passionate about designing innovative kit – we’re also dedicated to helping more people discover the joy of being on, in, or by the water. Through the Red Foundation, we are able to provide funding, raise awareness, and lend support to initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Blue health and access for all

This partnership is rooted in the core Red Foundation pillars of ‘access for all’ and ‘blue health’: the growing body of evidence that shows how being in or around water benefits wellbeing. From reduced stress and improved mood to increased physical activity and social connection, water has a profound ability to restore and energise.

Surfing the Spectrum wholly embodies these twin pillars in practice. By making surfing accessible to autistic children and their families, they’re opening up the unique therapeutic potential of the ocean. At Red, our brand ethos is built on exactly this insight: life’s better by the water. We know that time spent on the shoreline or in the sea can transform lives, and firmly believe that these transformational experiences should be available to everyone.

How you can get involved

Surfing the Spectrum has a busy calendar of events, with surf therapy days, fundraisers, and awareness activities running throughout the year. These rely on the energy of volunteers, the generosity of donors, and the enthusiasm of families taking part.

Fundraisers help sustain and grow Surfing the Spectrum’s programs. They’re a chance for the wider community to contribute directly, whether that’s by making a donation, spreading the word, or lending time as a volunteer. Every effort helps ensure more children and families can benefit from the program.

If you’d like to support Surfing the Spectrum, you can find full details of their upcoming events and fundraisers on their events page.

Looking ahead

The partnership between the Red Foundation and Surfing the Spectrum is just beginning, but the possibilities are exciting. Together, we can help bring the benefits of the ocean to more families living with autism, celebrate the role of water in wellbeing, and continue building inclusive communities along Australia’s beaches.

At its heart, this collaboration is about a shared belief: life’s better by the water – and everyone should have the chance to enjoy it.