The annual surf therapy event, held at Ditch Plains Beach, brings families together with the healing power of the ocean.
Founded in 2012, A Walk on Water has been making — and catching — waves with a simple mission: empowering children with unique needs, and their families, through surfing. The Malibu-based nonprofit hosts events from coast to coast, aiming to give participants a life-changing exercise in confidence, freedom, and individual accomplishment.
Every September, AWOW brings surf therapy to Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk, arguably the most legendary surf beach on the Eastern Seaboard. Each participating athlete is paired with an experienced surfer, who teaches them the ways of the water in a safe, supervised setting.
“Corcoran is proud to sponsor this incredible event year after year,” said Ernie Cervi, Corcoran’s Regional Senior Vice President for the East End. Corcoran has co-hosted and actively participated in AWOW since 2017.
“It’s a great, feel-good time,” added Sally Van Erk, who heads marketing and advertising for Corcoran on the East End. “Seeing the athletes thrive on the water with professional surfers is an amazing sight — it’s all about the athletes, and the smiles on their faces, that says it all.”
This year’s program, held September 8th and 9th, saw 15 agents and staff in attendance — handing out Corcoran towels, illustrated by Simone Massoni, and cheering on participants. A few who surf even got in the water themselves.
Photos: James Katsipis
“I am so thankful for the families that trust us as instructors to share our passion for the ocean and surfing with their kids,” remarked Michael Poli, a Montauk Corcoran agent who stepped up as an instructor. “Nothing is more rewarding than the smiles you see on these athletes’ faces after riding that first wave. It’s a weekend of love, joy, and most importantly inclusion where nobody is left out under any circumstances.”
“A Walk on Water is a weekend we look forward to all year,” shared Corcoran agent Sam Crumm, who also [wet]suited up for the occasion. “There is literally nothing on this planet that compares to the feeling we get from surfing with these athletes, and the best part is it goes both ways — can’t wait ’til next year.”
Pulling the event off required, in total, 50+ daily volunteers, including 20-25 surf instructors and well over a dozen watermen and beach safety patrols. At least two families came from Virginia, with others from Kentucky and New Jersey.
“To watch these kids surf and to see their families so happy, it’s a really special feeling that stays with you for a long time,” said Helen Stubbman, another Montauk Office agent and major community supporter of AWOW.