Judging by all the smiles and laughter, it was a perfect day on the water for the 5th annual Aunty Joy Memorial Surf for Special Needs on Saturday at Kahaluu Beach.
The event honored Mills-Ferren, a beloved lifeguard and Surf for Special Needs volunteer who was killed in 2018 by her husband in an apparent murder-suicide.
Over 50 participants from keiki to kupuna took to the water with experienced surf instructors and volunteers for a chance to ride the waves at the popular Kona surf spot.
“We started in 2004 as a field trip of seven participants from the ARC of Kona,” said Tifany Stegehuis, Surf for Special Needs Vice President and Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors General Manager. “Word quickly spread and the next year we added Full Life with about 20 participants.”
After that, the event was opened up to anyone with special needs and grew with participation from Hawaii Fire Department, Ocean Safety Lifeguards and the surf school, along with volunteers from the surfing community.
The day started with a blessing and words of encouragement from professional surfer and Kona native Shane Dorian.
“From Aunty Joy’s tragedy, we are honoring her today,” said Stegehuis. “She was such a supporter of Surf for Special Needs. We put the word out island wide to fill her void.”
The word was heard.
Over 75 volunteers helped with the event checking in participants and providing surf escorts. Bianelli’s and Chef Muzzy provided lunch for all.
Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors provided 10 paddle boards and one SUPsquatch which was outfitted with a chair for those who needed extra stability. Volunteers rode their own boards as escorts and lifeguards patrolled the water on a jet ski for added safety. Fire department personnel from the Kailua and Keauhou stations were also there helping participants out of the water after their ride.
It was the first time Leya was surfing.
“I loved it. I want to go again,” she said, beaming as she was helped out of the water.
Liliana Rowe was just as enthusiastic about her ride. Her mom said her daughter had the time of her life.
The young lady was able to get into the water with her life preserver on, and didn’t want to get out because “I’m a mermaid.”
Volunteer Ilima Scott and her son have been coming to the event for several years.
“This is bomb diggity,” said Scott. “The smiles on their faces, the energy is unreal. To see my kids volunteer with special needs kids is unbelievable. There is no feeling like it as a parent.
Miranda Natividad said her son Preston, who has cerebral palsy, has been coming to the event since 2018.
“It’s fantastic. They work really hard to do this,” she said of the volunteers putting on the event. “He could never do this without them.”
Preston was all smiles as he came out of the water.
“I caught four waves,” he said with enthusiasm. “I like the water splashing on my face.”