Coastal Maine with Purpose: Inside the Special Surfers Movement with Nanci Boutet

Send us Fan MailIn the second half of my conversation with Nanci Boutet, founder and executive director of Special Surfers, we explore how a simple act of generosity grew into one of Maine’s most meaningful community outreach programs.What began in 2003 as a request to take a few children with special needs surfing has become a nationally recognized adaptive surfing nonprofit serving thousands of children and adults of all abilities at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk, Maine .This episode is about inclusion, courage, volunteerism, and the transformative power of one wave.What Is Special Surfers?Special Surfers is a Maine-based nonprofit adaptive surfing program that welcomes individuals with autism, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, cognitive differences, and any special need — no diagnosis required.Participants register, arrive at the beach, and are paired with trained volunteer “wave captains” and surf assistants who guide them safely into the ocean.In peak events, Special Surfers has hosted:260+ adaptive surfers in a single evening300+ volunteers30+ wheelchair users riding custom adaptive boardsOver 22 years, more than 10,000 participants and volunteers have been impacted .Learn more about Special Surfers here:👉 https://specialsurfers.orgNanci’s work earned recognition as a “Point of Light” under President George H. W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light initiative, after encouragement from Barbara Bush in Kennebunkport .While awards matter, Nanci makes clear: the real reward is watching someone discover confidence in a space where they are often underestimated.Learn more about Aquaholics here:👉 https://aquaholicsurf.comSometimes the most elegant thing we can do is help someone catch their first wave. 🌊Elegant Maine Living explores Maine’s homes, communities, and people—through the lens of lifestyle, values, and thoughtful living. I host conversations with leaders, creators, and advisors who help illuminate what it truly means to live well in Maine.Connect with Elise🌐 Website & Listings: EliseKiely.com 📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:Instagram: @elisekielyrealestateFacebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate LinkedIn: Elise Kiely Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at [email protected], share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship.  Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.