About the Program
The Canteen is a virtual opportunity accessible to all current, past, and future participants of Operation Surf that allows them to ‘Come to Renew.’ The Canteen provides a continual source of support and community and it allows our participants to create connections when they need it most. We discovered the importance of this program and made it a permanent program of Operation Surf. By extending our support beyond the ocean and into daily the lives of those we served, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of our veteran community.
If you have been a participant of an Operation Surf program in the past and would like to receive more information about this program, please email us at info@operationsurf.org
Quick Links
Schedule
- Mondays at 10 AM PST
Coffee with the Team - Every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11 AM PST
Warrior Women Wednesday - Fridays at 5:30 PM PST
Highs and Lows
Previous Guest Speakers
Shawn Dollar, 2x Guinness Book of World Record Holder
After a catastrophic, life-changing surfing accident off the coast of Big Sur, California, Shawn Dollar broke his neck and was eventually diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI). Shawn shared his healing journey with our community to bring education and awareness to progressive therapy options to healing TBI’s, which is extremely common among combat military and veterans.
“My journey back to health has been painful, frightening, challenging, and it is now turning into a big adventure.”
Kai Lenny, World Champion Big Wave Surfer
A big-wave World Champion surfer, all-around waterman, and sports enthusiasts joined Operation Surf for Veterans Day Special on The Canteen to share the stoke with our veteran community. Kai Lenny shared our minds’ power and the ability to recognize that negative mindsets derive from unhealthy behaviors. By creating consistency in his life, Kai explained to our community, to refocus on activities that bring joy like exercise, music, and surfing daily.
Mindset plays a significant role in Kai’s success throughout his career as he uses visualization techniques to prepare for riding Big Waves while he practices technique on smaller waves.
“Subconsciously, I was taking away the unknown. Fear of the unknown.”
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.”