Community Publicity

Del Mar Times Article: Family Matters

Good vibrations found at special needs surf school.

Sutera and student.

By Bart Schaneman Pure Vibes: Special Needs Therapeutic Surf Instruction was created by Richard Sutera in the summer of 2003. Mentoring a brother for suffering from mild mental retardation, Sutera has a personal connection to the field of special education.

“ I’ve been in special-ed my whole life,” Sutera said. Pure Vibes is one-on-one instruction for disabilities including Autism, Down’s syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Fragile X, PDD, Cerebral Palsy, and seizure disorders. It focuses on sensory integration, coordination and balance. Sutera was on his way from amateur surfing to a career in professional competition when he developed a condition in the talus bone of his ankle preventing him from competing. The condition is incurable at this point in time. “ It was a sign from God that what happened to my leg, my brother and 9/11 that I needed to do something for the kids,” Sutera said. “I knew when I stepped into a kindergarten class that I could do this.”

Sutera "hangs loose" with a Pure Vibes student.

Sutera has pursued a Special Education Teaching Credential and a Master’s of Science in Special Education and is certified by the American Red Cross in Infant, Child and Adult/AED First-Aid and CPR. “ I’ve made some huge changes for my children,” Sutera said.

Sutera speculated working with children was the “second most rewarding thing in the world behind saving someone’s life in the operating room.” • Pure Vibes also provides customized home tutoring to all types of disabilities. • Please email or call us for scheduling or rates. • Contact Pure Vibes at: info@ purevibessurfing.com or (760) 943-9342.

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