OS3 – Three-Month Program
About the Program
OS3 is a three-month, locally-focused program that provides veterans with an opportunity to bond through surfing, keep each other motivated, and move forward in life with a new perspective. Focused on four key pillars of mentorship, unity, family, and the peace of surfing, Operation Surf inspires to make lasting change in the lives of our community.
In OS3, veterans make a commitment to each other to surf as a group at least twice a week for the duration of the program. They are provided with the necessary surf equipment, professional surf instruction, and ocean education.
At the end of the program, veterans who fulfill their commitment graduate with a new sense of community, plus a new wetsuit and a surfboard to call their own.
Check out the photos from our 2023 OS3 program!
Quick Links
The application window for OS3 2024 is open. Stay connected by joining our email list!
2024 Program Dates
San Luis Obispo, CA:
- TBD – OS3 Meet n’ Greet
- June 4th, 2024 – Start Date (Avila Beach)
- Surf Sessions – Tuesdays & Thursdays
- June 22nd, 2024– Family Day
- July 18th, 2024 – Give Back Day
- August 17th, 2024 – Graduation
Interested in having OS3.0- Three-Month Program in your city? Contact info@operationsurf.org to learn more!
Our Incredible Partners!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the program? Does it cost to participate?
Veterans pay nothing to participate in OS3; all expenses are taken care of through generous financial and in-kind contributions from our sponsors and donors.
Operation Surf provides three-months of quality surf instruction, surf equipment for the entire length of the program, ocean education, and safety.
What are the criteria to participate?
- Active Duty, Active Reservists, or Honorably Discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Local to San Luis Obispo County
- Complete application process
- Able to transport self to surfing locations
- Available 2 days a week for group surfing
What are the graduation requirements?
- Attendance to all surf sessions, program key dates, and session elements are mandatory. (Two surf sessions a week throughout the three-month commitment)
- Complete a Community Give Back Day
- At the end of the program, veterans who fulfill their commitment, graduate with a new sense of community, plus a new wetsuit and a surfboard to call their own.
What opportunities are available to family members?
Throughout the three-month program, we hope to inspire veterans and their families to connect within their community. Operation Surf hosts a monthly family day, June 16th, which include a family surf day, dinner, and more!
What if I don’t live in California near the program locations?
The three-month program is locally-focused in specific locations. If you are interested in participating in an Operation Surf program, check out our week-long program. It is all-inclusive and you will be provided travel to the specified program location.
Program Testimonials
"Operation Surf was refreshing and fun! Of course, it was really great to learn to surf, but OS is so much more than just surfing. Never having surfed before and not being very comfortable in the ocean, I was forced to get out of my own way and trust the process. Being able to accomplish something I thought I wouldn't be able to do was very rewarding, and it ignited a fire in me that I had let go dim. I feel rejuvenated and self-confident again. I look forward to trying new things, going on more adventures, and enjoying the sport of surfing for many years to come."
"The fact that I was able to completely disconnect from work and fully submerge myself in the experience without any obligations opened up many doors for relaxation, resetting, refocusing, rebuilding, bonding, and both personal and relational healing. We were both struggling individually and as a couple prior to this trip. The professionalism, relatability, enthusiasm, excitement, openness, and care that every single member of Operation Surf displayed towards us and one another was contagious. They helped us find our individual selves again and helped save our marriage."
"Operation Surf was hands-down the greatest trip that I have ever been on. We travel the world for our jobs and get to see and do things that most people can only dream of, but that’s often filled with guilt while my wife is left juggling her own work, the kids, and everything else life throws at her. We spend a substantial amount of time away from each other with all of the trips, training, and deployments. Getting to share this experience with my wife by my side and finding a new, exciting activity that we both immediately fell in love with truly made this a trip of a lifetime."