SURF CITY, NC - For a group of students from Topsail Middle School’s Exceptional Children program, a trip to Surf City became much more than a day at the beach, it became a powerful reminder of resilience, joy, and hope.
With the support of Indo Jax Surf School, staff, and parents, students had the chance to experience the ocean in a safe, supportive environment. Some students surfed waves for the first time, while others simply waded in, but every step into the water was a milestone.
“Some only got in to their ankles, but that was more than they had done in the past as far as being at the beach and getting in the ocean,” Said Sonya Burgess, Topsail Middle EC Teacher. “Everybody had an amazing time. It was very emotional for us and for the parents. If they had a good time and they got out in the water even if it was for two minutes, that’s success.”
For staff, the ocean itself became the great equalizer. “It’s just kids in the water,” Dave French from Indo Jax said. “That’s the great thing about the ocean, it levels all playing fields. It treats you the same as it treats all of us.”
Teachers reflected on the power of hands-on learning, where students can experience lessons beyond the classroom. “The more hands-on, the better for them. You can hear about something a hundred times, but until you physically do it, it’s like a whole new world opens up,” said Topsail Middle EC Teacher Jennifer Dinkins.
The event was more than surfing. It was about building confidence, overcoming fear, and opening doors to new possibilities. “This day means to me that there is hope, that surfing is fun, but it’s also therapeutic. Once these kids are in the ocean, the payoffs are huge.” said French.
For students, staff, and families alike, it was a day that proved the ocean has the power to transform lives one wave at a time.