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

David Blair

Chairman

Charles Palmer

Charles Palmer

Board Member

Brian Waters

Brian Waters

Secretary

Chris Sanborn

Chris Sanborn

Treasurer

Jamie Weissenborn

Jamie Weissenborn

Board Member

Advisory Board

Linda Olds

Linda Olds

Advisory Member

Elizabeth W Barrett

Elizabeth W Barrett

Advisory Member

Kevin Watkins

Kevin Watkins

Advisory Member

Brent Edwards

Brent Edwards

Advisory Member

Peter Castanos

Peter Castanos

Advisory Member

Kimberly Kuden

Kimberly Kuden

Advisory Member

Leadership Staff

Van Curaza

Van Curaza

Founder/Director

Payton Wright

Payton Wright

Communications Manager

Amanda Curaza

Amanda Curaza

Executive Director

Justin Martinez

Justin Martinez

Program Manager

Madison Kudsk

Madison Kudsk

Development and Outreach Manager

Neil Hancox

Neil Hancox

Veteran Leader

Media Team

Roger Smith

Roger Smith

Photographer/Video

Aaron O'Sullivan

Aaron O'Sullivan

Photographer/Video

Cal Poly Interns

Sara Schoepp

Sara Schoepp

Operations Intern

Sophia Coffaro

Sophia Coffaro

Markerting Intern

John Balido (JB)

John Balido (JB)

Operations Intern

Talis Stockton

Talis Stockton

Finance Intern

Ellie Baisch

Ellie Baisch

Communications Intern

Jacob Swergold

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."

SOF Participant

2023

"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."

SOF Participant

2022

"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."

SOF Participant

2022