Operation Surf
If they are dreaming of the waves tomorrow, they won’t take their life today. Learn MoreOur Mission
Our mission is to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community.
Operation Surf’s curriculum-based programs aim to inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives while providing the necessary resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to continue this mindset indefinitely.
By staying true to our core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication; we change participants’ lives – one wave at a time.
Why We Do It
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other traumas can have a lasting and detrimental impact on the human body. Rates of PTSD, suicide, and other lingering effects among military veterans are so alarming that the matter has been classified as a National Health Crisis by the VA and CDC.
An estimated 1 in 3 veterans are diagnosed with PTSD.
Less than 40% seek help.
22 veterans commit suicide daily.
Surfing is a form of healing that promotes wellness through nature-based therapy.
Our Impact
Dr. Russell Crawford’s book, “The Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,” suggests that surf therapy offers an alternative form of nature-based therapy that could potentially be effective for treating veterans with PTSD.
His research on the Operation Surf program showed that participants experienced:
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A 36% decrease in PTSD symptoms
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A 47% decrease in depression
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A 68% increase in self-efficacy
Testimonials
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Find Your Community
Experience the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community.
Own the Outcome
The life-changing programs of Operation Surf are made possible by contributions from people just like you.