A total of 19 kids with special needs were taught by Filipino surfer, Luke Landrigan the basics of surfing in San Juan, La Union.

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas came early for 19 very special kids with special needs. Last December 16, on a crisp morning in the historic surf town of San Juan, La Union Surfing Espesyal offered a surf clinic for children with sensory impairments and learning disabilities. Billabong surfer Luke Landrigan, after being sidelined with a temporary knee injury, took time to reflect and give back to the people around him the one thing that has defined the best way to celebrate life, surfing.

When faced with an injury, it caused him to reflect on his own abilities and ponder the question -— what if Icould never surf at the level that Iam used to.

For that reason, Luke wanted to return the favor and teach those who may never get the chance. Being the Philippines’ first internationally sponsored surfer, Luke wanted to reciprocate for all that the sport has rewarded him.

“Ireally like teaching, especially the kids. Iwanted the less fortunate kids and special kids to experience how much fun it is; and to tell you the truth, they had more fun than any other students we’ve had. That smile and sign language they do after their ride, trying to explain to us how it felt even if we didn’t understand each other is just so heart warming. It was a moment I’ll never forget! One of the best experiences I’ve got out of surfing,” Luke said.

Luke with the assistance of Councilman Alfred Ortega, local surf champs Mickey Galang and surfing expert and lifeguards Menchie and Chris Par all donated their time to bless the lives of 19 kids and give them a Christmas holiday they’d never forget.

Most of the children were hearing impaired. The correlation between balance insufficiency and hearing loss makes this remarkable feat more astounding.

Despite their individual challenges, and after careful instruction from La Union’s finest watermen, many of the children were up and riding. Children with hearing disability tend to correct their balance and coordination difficulties later during adolescence, but even Luke’s youngest student was one of the best performers out on the waves. It goes to show that we may never really understand the miraculous benefits of the ocean and its gifts, we can only be grateful for its blessings.

We don’t understand its exact therapeutic mechanism but all can agree that water unlocks and opens up a world of elation. The medical community can’t explain why, but the healing powers of the ocean and the experience of surfing have offered alternative therapeutic benefit than many conventional medications.

The gifts of healing are evidenced with every smile; every bit of excitement and the joy received when watch-ing a loved one truly celebrate this thing called life. Surfing seems to do that time and time again, and for those fortunate to experience the thrill are all the richer.

Iknow for the kids and for those of us who witnessed Surfing Espesyal our lives were immeasurably rewarded. Special thanks to the following for giving back and making it happen: Billabong’s Luke Landrigan and the instructors of San Juan Surf School, City Councilor Alfred Ortega, Mickey Galang, Menchie Par, Chris Par, Elaine Abonal and Joanne Katrina Magalong.