Giovanni Greggs “GIO” was born in Florida but grew up in Toronto during his baby days and here in Kaneohe. He just graduated elementary school and is now off to 7th grade.
Gio is a fish and absolutely loves anything to do with a body of water, whether it’s just throwing rocks or walking on the rocks, Sand Island and Kewalo Basin are our spots. He is a self-taught natural born swimmer. Been in the water since before he can walk. Besides swimming, Gio loves horseback riding and running. He always requests to “chase me” to anyone who will keep up. Gio is loving and affectionate (a little too much) and you will always see him happy, happy, happy laughing. Although Giovanni is for the most part non-verbal, I don’t believe it hinders him from living his best life.
Gio attended All About Behavior an ABA school since he was 5 years old, and the owner, Ana King, and all the RBTs volunteered once at AccesSurf about 5years ago and put out a notice if any kiddos wanted to sign up to join them at AccesSurf and we’ve been hooked ever since.
I see the joy it brings to Gio being out on a wave, so I make sure we never miss the monthly surf sesh. If I could afford to get him surfing lessons so he can learn on his own then he can go out every week, he would be the happiest camper ever.
AccesSurf means Aloha for all the LOVE, sweat and tears you all put in month after month for filling up our hearts with love and happiness every wave after wave!
Our favorite memory is always walking up to access surf feeling included like Gio belongs somewhere where he’s understood and not judged. ALSO… getting to stand up once on the board, I know that probably felt pretty gnarley for Gio to have experienced standing up riding the wave since Gio is usually sitting or laying down on the wave.
Gio and all the people who participate are so blessed to have everyone at AccesSurf do what they do just for US. We hope it brings y’all as much joy as it brings us. I feel everyone at AccesSurf is doing Gods work in caring for one another. Keep up the GREAT Work and God Bless!
