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March 12, 2026
— Surf's Up with CARD culminates on Friday, March 27 at South Pointe Park with surfing demonstrations and an awards ceremony —
Miami Beach, FL – Making new friends, the occasional wipeout and even noodle arms are all part of the fun as the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department partners with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University (CARD) at the 18th Annual Surf's Up with CARD for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the week of March 23.
“Watching these kids gain confidence in the water is a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. "This partnership allows us to turn our beautiful shoreline into a place of growth and discovery for every family and all our children.”
Children will be focusing on honing their swimming skills, basic oceanography, meteorology, open water surfing and developing their own abilities. The educational component of the camp is being held at South Pointe Park while the surfing component is being held on the beach adjacent to the park.
The event has been held every year since 2008 apart from two years during the
pandemic. A special thank you to donors like Mowi for supporting CARD’s programming initiatives.
“Mowi is proud to support Surf’s Up with CARD and the incredible work being done to create meaningful ocean experiences for these amazing children” shared Joe Fidalgo, Managing Director of Mowi USA. “As a company deeply connected to the ocean, we believe in helping the next generation build confidence, skills, and a lasting connection to the water. We’re excited to play a small part in an event that brings joy, learning and community together in such a powerful way.”
“We are honored to be co-hosting the 18th annual Surf's Up with CARD with our remarkable partners at the Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department,” added Dr. Michael Alessandri, CARD executive director. “Each year, this unique collaboration positively impacts the lives of our campers, their families, our counselors and volunteers. The commitment of Miami Beach to programming for those with unique abilities has been unwavering and we are delighted to keep building on this partnership in this and other ways going forward.”
On Friday, March 27, the children will put on a surfing demonstration for their parents and family members. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will include an awards ceremony. Media organizations are invited to attend this portion.
ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
WHAT: Surf's Up with CARD
WHEN: Friday, March 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Ave.
Day of Media Contact: Michelle Costa, Communications & Community Outreach CARD Manager: 305.301.4387.
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About CARD
CARD stands for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami. CARD’s mission is to provide support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.
CARD offers support at no cost to families within the natural contexts of settings including the home, childcare programs and schools, businesses, and the larger community, and provides this support across the entire lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood. CARD in collaboration with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, supports adults on their journey to find meaningful employment and works with South Florida companies to create these opportunities. CARD empowers the community with training and resources to make their places and spaces more inclusive through its Autism Friendly Initiative. CARD serves families and individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To learn more, visit www.card.miami.edu.
CARD is part of a statewide network of seven CARD centers at leading universities throughout Florida.
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
