Noah Jacobs grew up surfing off the coast of Los Angeles, realizing early on the mental and physical benefits the ocean had to offer. “Surfing is a great way to learn patience, reduce stress, build community, and figure out how to literally go with the flow even when life presents challenges,” said Noah. He never imagined his passion would be something he would share with kids in the Bronx.

Zachary Trotzky (right), second year M.D. student, showing a Gnome Surf participant how to catch a wave.

Noah’s journey began when he moved to Boston to study for his master’s degree in medical science at Harvard. While looking for volunteer opportunities, Noah came across Gnome Surf, a non-profit that offers surfing, yoga, and art therapy to children with disabilities. The organization helps hundreds of children discover the benefits of the water under the mission “be free to be you.” Noah joined Gnome Surf, working as a surf coach for two years. He loved every minute of it. “It was so rewarding to see kids who often have to deal with a lot of medical issues smile and live in the moment,” said Noah.

Noah’s experience with Gnome Surf in Boston was so memorable that he wanted to recreate it when he came to Einstein last year as a first-year student in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). So, he reached out to Gnome Surf with an idea—to host their first-ever event in New York City at Rockaway Beach in Queens.

Congratulations on a day well spent!

“I saw firsthand how surfing can build confidence, joy, and connection for kids who are often left out of athletic opportunities,” said Noah. “When I started medical school, I knew I wanted to help bring that same experience to kids here in the Bronx and I’m so grateful to be surrounded by classmates and an institution that support this vision,” said Noah.

Learning the art of standing up on a surfboard.

He and several other students networked with Einstein faculty members at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, the Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, the Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation & Rehabilitation Center, and the New York Center for Rare Diseases at Montefiore Einstein to help recruit participants, crowd-funded to offset travel and operational costs, and even secured Patagonia as a sponsor. On September 13, 2025, after a lot of hard work, Noah, 30 Einstein students, and Gnome Surf came together to provide 15 children and their families with an unforgettable experience.

“All of the children were asking when we could do this again and that was the moment I knew the day was a success,” said Noah. “Looking ahead, I hope we can continue to grow this event and bring the experience to even more children and families from the Bronx next summer.”