OS3.0 – Three-Month Program
About the Program
OS3.0 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 O3.0, 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.
Quick Links
Program Dates
San Luis Obispo, CA:
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May 6th at 12 PM – OS3.0 Meet n’ Greet
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May 16th – Start Date
- Surf Sessions – Tuesdays & Thursdays
- August 5th – Give Back Day
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August 26th, 2023 – Graduation
Interested in having OS3.0- Three-Month Program in your city? Contact info@operationsurf.org to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the program? Does it cost to participate?
Veterans pay nothing to participate in OS3.0; 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
“This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Lifetime memories and bonds were made. This wasn’t just a surfing trip, for me this was a group of people fighting individual battles coming together, sharing experiences and unconditional love. I’m leaving with more confidence in myself than I came with.”
“I am so grateful and humbled to have had the experience and met the people I have met. The healing powers of the ocean should never be taken lightly or for granted. This experience changed me, and I couldn’t be more thankful than I am right now!”
“I had decided to check surfing off my bucket list and after I got back I was going to kill myself. While I was at Operation Surf there was this sense of peace that came over me and I realized my life wasn’t mine to take. If something like surfing can bring peace to my life then I should live on and try to help as many other veterans as possible.”