When Julian Davis was just 20 months old, he was diagnosed with autism and his early childhood was marked by significant challenges. Developmental delays meant he did not begin speaking until he was three-and-a-half years old. Between the ages of two and five, Julian participated in 18 hours per week of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), along with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and equestrian therapy. At six years old, he was also diagnosed with dyslexia, adding another layer of complexity to his academic journey. Despite these early obstacles, Julian has continued to forge his own path, one that leads him straight to the ocean.
Today, at nine years old, Julian has found his own confidence and purpose riding the waves. Early-onset sensory-related challenges meant that Julian was initially scared of the beach environment. The rhythmic crash of waves, the squawking of seagulls above, and the coarse sand beneath his feet were overwhelming. However, his father, Jody Davis, played an important role in helping Julian overcome these fears. A respected figure in the local surfing community, Jody has spent nearly a decade teaching his son how to surf. “Julian’s life revolves around the waves,” says his mother, Jess Davis. “Surfing is something that has been incredibly healing for Julian, and his experiences in therapy have translated directly over to the surfboard.”
In addition to surfing, Julian is an avid skateboarder, and looks up to the legendary Tony Hawk as one of his heroes. For Julian, board sports are more than a hobby, they’re a form of self expression. Julian’s performance at the 23rd annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic in Flagler County left a lasting mark on the North Florida surfing community. During the two day tournament, Julian scored the highest marks of his age group, earning a 9.08 and a 7. It was a moment that the Davis family will never forget, the end of one chapter and the beginning of a legacy.
Instagram: @imwithjulian
