Surf Therapy: Supporting Gnome Surf's Mission

At Watermen, we get to work with a lot of great organizations and people, but every once in a while, we come across an organization that really sticks with us. Gnome Surf is one of those unique organizations. A nonprofit based out of Little Compton, Rhode Island, Gnome Surf uses a mixture of therapies, including surf therapy, to introduce neurodivergent and disabled youth to new experiences. 

We aim to create a world with kindness, love and happiness regardless of socioeconomic status. - Chris Anato, Founder of Gnome Surf

When we learned about their impact and what they were doing, we knew Watermen had to be part of it.

We’ve become a proud partner, donating gear and other custom products to keep the Gnomes surfing. We look forward to supporting their mission into the foreseeable future, in and out of the water.

What Is Gnome Surf?

Gnome Surf grew out of a deep rooted belief in inclusion and the power of sports as a healing tool.

Growing up in a rocky immigrant household, Chris Anato struggled with a lifelong sense of not quite fitting in, even after dominating the wrestling world as a D1 athlete. Chris thought he would never feel his calling, until he discovered surfing. The ocean offered something nothing else could: clarity, calm, and connection.

Somewhere along his personal journey, he began coaching a young boy on the autism spectrum in wrestling, and something clicked for Chris. Despite not being autistic himself, Chris saw himself in the boy’s social struggles.

From that moment his mission became clear: make sure no child ever felt the kind of sadness that comes from being misunderstood. He committed to building a space where kids of all abilities could feel seen, empowered, and free to be themselves.

That space became Gnome Surf.

Blending a background in sport, a passion for the ocean, and a fierce commitment to advocacy, Gnome Surf now teaches hundreds of differently-abled kids and families about the wonders of adaptive surfing. The program has pioneered a unique, self-empowerment–driven approach to surf therapy. 

Chris' long term vision is to build an international hub in Costa Rica where kids from all walks of life can come together and experience the magic of surfing.

And that’s a mission we’re proud to stand behind.

You can read more about their story here, but what stood out to us is simple: they show up for their community in a real, meaningful way.

How Do Adaptive Surf Therapies Help?

Surf therapy combines the challenge and fun of surfing with emotional support and skill-building. 

For a lot of the kids Gnome Surf works with, it’s their first time feeling truly comfortable in their own skin. 

Over time, they’ve seen that confidence spread to situations out of the water, too. Studies show surfing can alleviate anxiety, PTSD, depression, and improve both mental and physical well-being. Gnome Surf also collaborates with the International Surf Therapy Organization “to expand and advance evidence-based practice.”

Want to know more about the specific programming Gnome Surf provides? Take a look here.

Help Expand Gnome Surf Therapies Around The World

Gnome Surf runs entirely on community support. Donations ensure that every child who wants to participate can do so.

If this is something you want to be part of, you can donate here. Even a small gift helps.

Have a Cause You Care About?

Thanks for being part of our community. And thanks to Gnome Surf for letting us be a small part of theirs.

We’re proud to support organizations like Gnome Surf — and we’re always looking to connect with people doing meaningful work. Reach out to us if you have a cause you want us to support.

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