Press release:
For Immediate Release: April 16, 2015, (Santa Cruz, Calif.) – Amazing Surf Adventures is excited to announce Operation Surf Santa Cruz, April 21st through April 27th at Cowell’s and Capitola Beach. The event will provide a recreational, rehabilitative surf clinic to about 28 men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our country and freedom. Severely wounded active duty and veteran service members from various branches of the U.S. military who served in Afghanistan and Iraq will take part in an epic life-changing experience at Capitola and Cowell’s Beach. Through the healing power of the ocean and surfing, these wounded heroes will overcome challenges and build a new understanding of their life’s potential.
“For many participants, the trip to Operation Surf is their first time leaving the hospital since being injured in Iraq or Afghanistan, making this unique and highly effective healing tool an invaluable part of their early recovery,” said Amazing Surf Adventures Founder, Van Curaza. “At previous Operation Surf Santa Cruz events, the wounded heroes have been astounded at the outpouring of love and appreciation from the Santa Cruz community and its many volunteers.”
The week kicks of when the wounded heroes arrive at the airport to hundreds of supporters waving American flags and holding signs thanking them for their service. “It sets the tone for the entire week,” Curaza added. “Volunteers at the beach, in the water and at other key support roles are an invaluable component of our cause. We are also really lucky to have to have continual support from top-level surfing companies like Body Glove. This support allows us to continue offering these life-changing events to our wounded military men and women.”
“Operation Surf is an incredible event and does an amazing job sharing the stoke of surfing with men and women who have sacrificed so much to fight for our freedom,” said Body Glove CEO, Robbie Meistrell. “With a father and Uncle who served our country and had a deep love of the ocean, this event truly hits a chord with our family and company.”
This year’s event will feature special coaching from Amazing Surf Adventure’s elite team of adaptive athlete coaches headed by Van Curaza Surf School and partnering with local Richard Schmidt Surf School.
CrossFit, The EOD Warrior Foundation, and Help for Heroes are also supporters of this weeklong event.
For more information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor of the event, please check out https://amazingsurfadventures.org/event/operation-surf-santa-cruz-2015/
