We’ve created some pretty special things since starting Noosa Vibe House, but few have touched us as deeply as teaming up with Ocean Heroes - a charity that empowers kids on the autism spectrum through free surf sessions.
When we first came across Ocean Heroes, we had no idea just how impactful this partnership would become. As parents of a neurodivergent child, the Ocean Heroes purpose and their passion for breaking down barriers resonated deeply with us. So when they shared hopes of expanding into Queensland, we jumped at the chance to help them build a presence here in Noosa. It felt like a perfect match - Ocean Heroes’ inclusive values and desire to get more kids in the ocean aligned beautifully with Noosa’s strong surf culture and community spirit.
Thanks to the incredible support from local businesses, council and families, that first event has grown into a series - each one gaining more awareness, more volunteers, and more smiling faces in the lineup. The recent May event - only the third in Noosa - hit full participant capacity, a huge milestone in such a short space of time. Watching so many kids experience the thrill and pride of catching their first wave - an achievement they and their families may never have imagined possible - is something we’ll never forget. To see Ocean Heroes recieve the Culture Award at the recent Noosa World Surfing Reserve Community Awards night is a testament to just how much this community has embraced the Ocean Heroes spirit.
With the events now firmly established in Noosa, we wanted to take things a step further and give families a way to hold onto that feeling beyond their session, so we created a special collab tee to be sold at the Queensland events. We have always loved collaborations, and our own neurodivergent family and the journey we've been on meant this one was really close to our hearts. The designs are a colourful celebration of the joy, pride and freedom the kids experience in the surf during their session - and that their families feel looking on from the beach. This truly is merch with meaning - not only holding a special memory, but serving as a reminder that anything is possible. Thanks to the generosity and support of our supplier network, we were able to keep costs to a minimum, meaning more funds pumping back into Ocean Heroes to support more incredible experiences.
We’re deeply passionate about autism acceptance and have seen firsthand the impact these events have on the Noosa community. It’s a privilege to support Ocean Heroes in any way we can, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping more kids experience the joy of the ocean in such a supportive and inclusive environment.
For more information and ways you can get involved, jump over to Ocean Heroes. Images captured beautifully by Penelope Arias Photography.
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