By Ben Fractenberg
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Fundraisers stood up for autism, circling Manhattan while standing on surfboards.
More than 150 paddlers travelled 28 miles from Pier 40 to the South Street Seaport Friday.
The event, Sea Paddle NYC, was organized by the Surfer’s Environmental Alliance.
The event raised well over $260,000 and organizers expected to raise even more at post-paddle events, including a silent auction and beach party.
“The conditions weren’t great — a lot of paddlers said it was a difficult paddle,” said spokeswomen Shannon Furey. “But for a good cause, everyone was in good spirits.”
Proceeds from the event will go to eight autism groups including Autism Speaks, based in Manhattan.
Furey said one paddler, Surfers Healing founder Izzy Paskowitz, became interested in the cause after seeing the therapeutic and calming effects surfing had on his autistic son.
Paskowitz now hosts surfing day camps for autistic children.
Also taking part in the event were surf legend Joel Tudor, actor David Chokachi and 15-year-old surf paddle champion Slater Trout.
"It's the greatest city in the world and this is an unbelievable way to see it," surfer Andrew Mencinsky told NY1.
