Ride a Wave Press Kit This document includes the following media resources: · Ride a Wave Fact Sheet · FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions · Quotes from Participants, Parents, Organizations, and Volunteers · Images of a typical Ride a Wave Beach Camp High-resolution JPEG images of all pictures in the press kit are available electronically at: http://www.rideawave.org/files/ride_a_wave_pics.zip. To schedule an interview or get additional information, please contact Rocky Snyder (831.252.7625 /
[email protected]) or visit our website (www.rideawave.org). Ride a Wave Press Kit, ver 1.1 - www.rideawave.org Page 1 of 14 Copyright 1998-2008 Ride a Wave. All photos copyright Boots McGhee. Press contact: Rocky Snyder 831.252.7625
[email protected] Fact Sheet · Mission: Ride a Wave gives children with special needs the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged. · Origin: Ride a Wave (RAW) was founded by Danny Cortazzo, fireman, paramedic, former champion tandem surfer, and lifeguard. Cortazzo was hit by a car in Australia in 1990 and had a near death experience. Cortazzo said “I realized how fortunate I was to be so connected with the beach and ocean. It also made me aware of how many people will never get the opportunity to experience the joy of feeling the rush of catching a wave. I shared these feelings with my best friends, and we decided to try to help give people with special needs this opportunity.” In 1992, Cortazzo founded the Malibu Board Riders in Southern California to help children dealing with cancer at Ronald McDonald's Camp Good Times get in the water to surf and boogie board.