Operation Surf in Santa Cruz
About the Program
This year we are excited to come back March 23rd-28th to Santa Cruz for our Veteran Week-Long Program of 2025!
Our week-long program is an epic, life-changing adventure for our military and veterans. Bringing our participants directly to our programs within supportive coastal communities and exposing them to the healing power of the ocean.
During this all-inclusive rehabilitative program, large steps of healing occur for injured military men and women from all over the nation – including addressing deep grief by honoring fallen brothers and sisters, learning to build trust with new people, and accomplishing goals.
Each element of our program is an opportunity to promote wellness and introduce new tools and resources to our military & veteran community. The week consists of two days of travel and four days of adaptive surfing. Additional activities include pre/post-peer-to-peer support, a powerful opening blessing, daily yoga, mindfulness, group meals, nightly ‘Recap Reel,’ a closing award ceremony, and a healing paddle out to honor fallen heroes.
*Please refer to the program schedule below for the latest details on locations and times. Schedule is subject to change based on weather and surf conditions.
Quick Links
Operation Surf in Santa Cruz offers many ways for the community to get involved. Whether it’s cheering on participants as they learn to surf or volunteering on-site we’d love for you to be part of the experience!
Program Schedule: March 23-28th
Motorcade & Welcome Ceremony
Join us for a special opportunity to give our Veteran Participants an unforgettable welcome as they begin their week-long Operation Surf program in Santa Cruz. Meet us at the Dream Inn at (TBD on time) for their arrival to show your support. You won’t want to miss this!
Sun, Mar 23, 2025
TBD on time
Day 1 Surfing @ Cowell's Beach
Surf’s up! Veteran participants will learn to surf with their professional surf instructors and be supported by their assigned Veteran Support team member. Bring a chair, lunch, and come cheer everybody on! Exclusive merchandise will be available on-site for sale.
Mon, Mar 24, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Day 2 Surfing @ Cowell's Beach
Surf’s up! Veteran participants will learn to surf with their professional surf instructors and be supported by their assigned Veteran Support team member. Bring a chair, lunch, and come cheer everybody on! Exclusive merchandise will be available on-site for sale.
Tues, Mar 25, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Day 3 Surfing @ Capitola Beach
Surf’s up! Veteran participants will learn to surf with their professional surf instructors and be supported by their assigned Veteran Support team member. Bring a chair, lunch, and come cheer everybody on! Exclusive merchandise will be available on-site for sale.
Wed, Mar 26, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Day 4 Surfing @ Capitola Beach
Surf’s up! Veteran participants will learn to surf with their professional surf instructors and be supported by their assigned Veteran Support team member. Bring a chair, lunch, and come cheer everybody on! Exclusive merchandise will be available on-site for sale.
Thurs, Mar 27, 2025
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Departure Day
The Ohana grows as say goodbye to our new Operation Surf Alumni!
Fri, Mar 28, 2025
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
2025 Santa Cruz Sponsors
Motorcade & Welcome Ceremony
March 23rd, 2025
TBD on time
Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
Join us for a special opportunity to give our Veteran Participants an unforgettable welcome as they begin their week-long Operation Surf program in Santa Cruz. Meet us at the Dream Inn at (TBD on time) for their arrival to show your support. You won’t want to miss this!
Volunteer Opportunties
March 23rd-28th, 2025
Times vary based on volunteer positions
Cowell’s Beach & Capitola Beach
Looking to give back to those who served? Make this week one to remember through service to others. From beach site-set up, meal deliveries, water safety and more you’ll be making a huge difference in the lives of our nations military!
Merch Available!
All week until sold out
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dream Inn, Cowell’s Beach, and Capitola Beach.
Visit our merch booth to grab exclusive Operation Surf gear! These limited-edition items won’t be available in our online store, so make sure to stop by early before they’re gone.
Program Testimonials
“It has been a very long time since I met people who I would define as friends. I came to Operation Surf feeling isolated. I left Operation Surf feeling like I belong to a family. The experiences and people I met during the week have surpassed what I felt I would gain. Originally I was stoked to learn how to surf. Leaving Op Surf, surfing was secondary to leaving feeling like I have people who I can trust and reach out to.”
“Operation Surf brought back a sense of serenity and joy that I thought had been completely stolen from me. This experience reminded me that I’m alive and that I can feel inner peace.”
“This is a program that will truly change your life. I met everyone involved and spent a good amount of time talking with each of them. They are a truly selfless group of people who really care about improving lives. Right before I showed up to the program a soldier and great friend of mine took his own life. If I hadn’t had the Operation Surf experience I know I would still be in a very bad place. The staff and all of the support personnel just spread love and happiness to those who really need it. I feel that I have a new family that I can reach out to and depend on at any time.”