Waves of Impact: Adaptive Surf Camp in Galveston

About Waves of Impact

Waves of Impact hosts free adaptive surf camps in Galveston, giving kids with special challenges their biggest, most joyful weekend of the year.

For Ashley Arce and the dedicated Waves of Impact volunteer team, the ocean is healing. Through Waves of Impact, she helps kids with special challenges ride waves with confidence. Since 2011, Waves of Impact has brought children with autism, mobility challenges, cancer, and more to Galveston’s shoreline for the thrill of surfing. What started as one afternoon has grown into three days filled with smiles, community support, and moments families call their child’s Olympics or Super Bowl.

Waves of Impact
The Healing Power of the Ocean Comes Alive in Galveston

Details about Waves of Impact in Galveston Adaptive Surf Camp

WHEN: September 18-19, 2026

WHERE: Porretto Beach, Galveston

WHAT: This year’s Galveston camp brings Waves of Impact together with Surfers Healing in honor of Doc Paskowitz, a pioneer of adaptive surfing. More than 270 children will experience the ocean in a way many never thought possible. With the help of professional surfers, volunteers, and first responders, kids of all abilities, including those who arrive in wheelchairs, will ride waves and create memories that last a lifetime.

For families, it is more than a camp. It is their child’s celebration where courage meets joy, and the community gathers to cheer. All will leave with smiles, stories, and confidence that lasts long after the surf settles.

Camp Schedule:
Friday, September 18th: 10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday, September 19th: 10:00am-4:00pm

Why Waves of Impact Matters

  • Adaptive surfing helps kids build confidence, joy, and connection
  • Families experience community support and moments of pure celebration
  • Local volunteers and surfers provide a safe, inclusive beach environment
  • Therapy animals, first responders, and community partners make the event unforgettable

How You Can Help Power Waves of Impact

This event is powered by volunteers and community partners.

Water Volunteers: Strong swimmers help surfers guide children safely in the ocean. No surfing experience required.

Land Volunteers: Greet families, check in participants, assist on the beach, and cheer on every wave.

Community Partners: Donate time, resources, or services to help families feel supported throughout the weekend.

Pictured: Beach Wheelchair
Credit: Photo by Dana DiCioccio

The Heart of Waves of Impact

Founded in 2010, Waves of Impact began in Galveston after inspiration from Surfers Healing. Its mission is to use the healing power of the ocean to build confidence, connection, and joy for children and adults with exceptional challenges.

At the center of the Waves of Impact program is Ashley Arce, who has been with the organization since 2013. She began surfing in 2011, started running the Texas camps in 2018, and became Director in 2023. For Ashley and the volunteer team, the magic is in seeing children of all abilities rise with the waves and feel celebrated like champions. One of her favorite memories was surfing with her two cousins, both quadriplegics, an experience that deepened her passion for adaptive surfing and inclusion.

Every camp is free to families, powered by volunteers, and built on the belief that every child deserves the chance to ride a wave.

Credit: Photo by Dana DiCioccio

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