Dusk Patrol – surf news & initiatives
On April 14-19, wounded war veterans will take to the waves at Cowells Beach in Santa Cruz for Operation Surf. During the weeklong surf camp, wounded active duty service personnel will learn to surf and enjoy the healing & transformative powers of the ocean.
Operation Surf is a recreational and rehabilitative surfing clinic founded by Van Curaza, who’s been surfing for 4 decades. It’s one of several surf programs run under his nonprofit, Amazing Surf Adventures. Amazing Surf Adventures partners with Operation Comfort to bring 10 to 20 wounded members of the military from the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, to Operation Surf. The surf clinic takes place in April in Santa Cruz and in September in Pismo Beach.
Operation Surf allows soldiers to experience the thrill of surfing in a safe, positive environment with professional and champion surf instructors. The surf clinic begins with instruction on land that includes ocean safety and awareness, equipment use, and adaptive techniques tailored to each individual’s disabilities. Participants then get to experience the thrill of riding the waves and the healing powers that surfing, the ocean, and the camaraderie of other surfers can provide.
Operation Surf is supported by donations and fundraising events. More info at www.operationsurf.com
