Fremantle’s Connor Blakely and Hugh Dixon had some extra company when they hit the surf this week.

The pair were at Trigg Beach to help promote the work of Ocean Heroes, an Australian charity that aims to enhance the lives of those living with autism through surfing.

There are an estimated 48,000 children in Australia living with autism and Ocean Heroes provides these kids the opportunity to take part in an organised sport with a highly supported and structured environment.

A keen surfer, Blakely said he loved the experience of helping the kids get involved in the surfing community.

“I think the whole act of going down the beach, being in the ocean and just being around all of those positive energies can have such an important influence on anyone, especially these kids,” Blakely said.

“So for them to be able to experience something like that, being out in the ocean and out in the sun, it can really help with the management of the issues that they have.”

Dixon said he was keen to get involved as it was a cause close to his heart.

“I’m not much of a surfer but Connor has dragged me down to the beach a few times, it’s great to get involved with an organisation like this. It’s been a great experience for us as well as the kids,” Dixon said.

“Ocean Heroes have set up a great program here for kids with autism to help them surf in the water and feel included. It’s something close to me, as my brother and a cousin are on the autism spectrum and something like this would be an awesome thing for them.”

Ocean Heroes will sign off for the summer with a final even at Trigg Beach on Sunday March 17 and Blakely encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to get involved.

“They get up to 150 autistic participants so the more volunteers they have, the more the kids can get involved,” Blakely said.

“We loved coming down and getting involved today. Everyone had a play around and it was great to see the smiles on the kids' faces.”

To find out more about Ocean Heroes, click here.