Gnome Surf Therapy Chris Antao

EPISODE 85
Talking Surf Therapy with Chris Antao,
Founder of Gnome Surf Therapy

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Show Notes

The mission of Gnome Surf Therapy, a 501c3 non-profit, is to create a culture shift towards inclusion, diversity, equality and acceptance for children and adults of all abilities. It focuses on building confidence, self-esteem and happiness for its athletes, and also provides a supportive community for parents and family members. Chris Antao, its founder and CEO, describes the inspiration in developing Gnome and how surf therapy provides so many benefits including and in addition to participating in activities that promote connection for individuals and families and a healthy lifestyle.

Andrew participating in surf therapy with Chris Antao!
Gnome Surf Therapy
Andrew participating in surf therapy with Chris Antao!
Gnome Surf Therapy

Featuring

Chris Antao

CHRIS ANTAO

Chris Antao is the lead Surf Therapist, Trainer and EMT at his non-profit, Gnome Surf Therapy.  He has grown Gnome Surf into the fastest growing Surf Therapy Organization globally. As founder and Executive Director, Chris has completed over 3,000 hours surfing with athletes of various ages and abilities, making him one of the most experienced Surf Therapists globally. He was an early contributor to the International Surf Therapy Organization, where he helped mold best practices in surf therapy. He majored in Psychology at Sacred Heart University with a focus on Child Development.  Since then, Chris has established Gnome Surf as a strong value-based organization for children and adults of all abilities focusing on inclusion, acceptance, diversity and equality.

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) Chris’ personal history is closely related to his motivation and journey in supporting autistic and neurodivergent children. What is most striking about how his own experiences provided the motivation and drive to develop Gnome Surf Therapy?

2) A huge part of surf therapy is developing trusting relationships among the athletes, the instructors and families. Given the very nature of surfing, why is developing trust an essential focus and how does Chris and his staff foster trust with the athletes and families? How does that carry-over to activities outside of surf therapy?

3) Family-centered practices are now considered the “gold standard” for supporting autistic/neurodivergent children and families. How is this addressed in Gnome Surf Therapy? What have been some of the unexpected benefits of Gnome surf therapy for the athletes, as well as for parents and families?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.