Dana Point, CA – Dress like Santa, surf Salt Creek and raise money for Surfers Healing and children with Autism. The Inaugural Surfing Santa Competition takes place at Salt Creek on Saturday, November 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Surfing Santa Competition, being run by the experienced team of Abraham Paskowitz and Eric Diamond, features five heats with prizes for each category. Categories include Santa’s Helpers (14 and under), Santa’s Elves (16-20 year olds), Toymakers (ages 20+), Yule Loggers (open long board), and Flying Rudolph (big air). Entry fee is $40 per person and includes the contest and a goody bag. Prizes have been donated by Billabong and Sector Nine. Contestants need to dress up like Santa and can enter at Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point or on line at www.surfingsantacontest.org. Sponsors of the competition include Billabong-USA, Hobie Surf Shop, Capo Bonita Real Estate and Maui Jim. 

Surfers Healing seeks to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. Surfers Healing was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz. Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Like many autistic children, he often suffered from sensory overload-- simple sensations could overwhelm him. The ocean was the one place where he seemed to find respite. A former competitive surfer, Israel hit upon an idea--with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and Izzy steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together. Surfing had a profound impact on Isaiah. Israel and Danielle decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children. They began to host day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing. 

The Surfing Santa Competition is part of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Community Footprints program and has raised more than $30,000. Community Footprints was created to encourage leadership in volunteerism, fundraising, product donations and mentoring programs at a local level. No project is considered too large or too small. Dedicated Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen provide a wide range of support and services to their community, including fund-raising for local charities, reading to the blind, preparing and serving lunches at homeless shelters, donating books to schools and volunteering at food banks. The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints stresses that the most important resource is not always money, but time. 

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is one of Southern California’s most luxurious and exciting hideaways. For more information or reservations call 800-241-3333, the hotel directly at 949-240-2000, a travel professional or visit the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.