Our Team
While a large and dedicated group of volunteers deserves huge credit for making Operation Surf possible, our phenomenal board members and hardworking leadership staff are indispensable for keeping our organization running. Contributions from our financial supporters make it possible for us to do the work that we do.
Board of Directors
David Blair
Chairman
Charles Palmer
Board Member
Brian Waters
Secretary
Chris Sanborn
Treasurer
Jamie Weissenborn
Board Member
Advisory Board
Linda Olds
Advisory Member
Elizabeth W Barrett
Advisory Member
Kevin Watkins
Advisory Member
Brent Edwards
Advisory Member
Peter Castanos
Advisory Member
Kimberly Kuden
Advisory Member
Leadership Staff
Van Curaza
Founder/Director
Payton Wright
Communications Manager
Amanda Curaza
Executive Director
Justin Martinez
Program Manager
Madison Kudsk
Development and Outreach Manager
Neil Hancox
Veteran Leader
Media Team
Roger Smith
Photographer/Video
Aaron O'Sullivan
Photographer/Video
Cal Poly Interns
Sara Schoepp
Operations Intern
Ellie Baisch
Communications Intern
John Balido (JB)
Operations Intern
Talis Stockton
Finance Intern
Jacob Swergold
Oceans Operations Intern
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."