Scott McCall is no stranger to the water.
The 30-year-old grew up in Huntington Beach. He learned to swim at Pacific Sands Cabana Club with his sisters, Jayme and Megan. But McCall always wanted to surf.
He received some special lessons at the Surf's Up for Down Syndrome event on Friday. McCall was one of several potential surfers with Down syndrome learning from pros and experts near the Huntington Beach Pier.
Rex Hudler's Team Up for Down Syndrome, in conjunction with the International Surfing Museum, put on the inaugural event, which also featured live and silent auctions and a banquet at Sandy's Beach Grill.
The sun glistening off the waves wasn't the only radiant scene Friday afternoon. There were smiles galore and amazed laughter, as adults and adolescents with special needs rode some waves.