Surf’s Up! Veterans Catch a Wave with VA Camp

Team RWB is a nonprofit organization and community of Veterans, service members, military families, and supporters that help Veterans lead healthier lives through fitness events, training, and programs. Their events bring Veterans together from across the country to challenge themselves while focusing on a shared mission.

Veterans, volunteers, surf coaches and recreation therapists gathered at Huntington Beach for a day of camaraderie, physical activity, and ocean therapy. Veterans of all skill levels from across greater Los Angeles were encouraged to join the fun, bringing seasoned surfers and novices together by design.

“Waves of Valor is probably one of the events that has the best impact on Veterans due to the caring participation of volunteers and sponsors,” said second-time Waves of Valor attendee and Army Veteran Kevin Kleinsteuber, who’s an active participant in many VA events. “Whether a day on the beach or tackling the surf, Vets know they’re in for a day of fun and sun!”

Throughout the day, Veterans had the opportunity to work on their surfing skills in a supportive and inclusive environment, surrounded by a community of volunteers.

Out of the 31 Veterans who attended the event, many were eager to talk about how much they enjoyed the experience. “Surfing is like a roller coaster ride but far more exciting!” said Marine Corps and Air Force Veteran Melisa Lopez. “It’s exhilarating.”

From Dawn to Dusk

The day began with many Veterans boarding a shuttle from the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus at 5:30 a.m. to Huntington Beach. Upon arrival, Veterans were outfitted with wetsuits, a process that resulted in plenty of smiling and laughing as they struggled into the tight attire.

“We’re building camaraderie, just trying to put on really tight wetsuits,” said Marine Corps Veteran Juan Salas, who added that he felt like a “burrito”— tight and snug, but well-protected from the chilly Pacific waters. The experts on site said it was important to find a wetsuit that keeps the ocean water from coming in contact with skin.

Waves of Valor is offered through VAGLAHS’ Recreation Therapy Program, which aims to promote rehabilitation and wellness, enhancing the lives of disabled Veterans through a continuum of care. Recreation Therapy helps Veterans improve or maintain their physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual functioning, supporting their full participation in life.

The surf camp emphasized personalized support, with a high volunteer-to-Veteran ratio, ensuring safety and enhancing the surfing experience. At this event, 80 volunteers supported the 31 Veterans, with five volunteers per Veteran in the water at any given time. 

“The volunteers made it more fun and were very welcoming. I was able to get up on the board numerous times,” said Army Veteran Cisco Ochoa.

A Full Day of Fun

The day of camp included breakfast, various sandwiches for lunch, refreshments, and many snacks. During the lunch break, there was live music from a ukulele group, adding a fun and lively atmosphere that kept the energy high. Sharing meals together gave Veterans moments to relax, connect, and exchange stories.

On land, Team RWB coaches taught Veterans the proper technique to pop up onto a surfboard. Afterward, they moved to the water, where several people watched over them. The coaches pushed them out, helping them get up on the surfboard, while other volunteers ensured they returned safely to shore. To ensure the safety of all participants, a staff of nurses and medics was on hand, ready to assist in the case of injury.

VAGLAHS Recreation Therapist Louisa Mendelson reflected on the origins of Waves of Valor in 2013. Starting that year, VA partnered with Team RWB and together they coordinated three separate events with three different Team RWB chapters – Ventura at Zuma Beach, Los Angeles at Santa Monica Beach, and Orange County at Huntington Beach. In 2024, the partnership is still going strong. Mendelson worked as a Recreation Therapist at GLA for 15 years but has since moved to VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics.

“Our goal was to ensure inclusivity across a wide range of Veterans, including those with traumatic brain injuries, amputations, hemiplegia, paraplegia, quadriplegia, and even participants from the Low Vision Clinic,” said Mendelson. 

To get a feel for the experience, check out this YouTube video about a Waves of Valor event held at Zuma Beach this past summer.

Ocean Therapy

For many Veterans, the event offered more than just a physical challenge. Surfing allowed them to temporarily embrace ocean therapy, also known as blue care or blue space. “Getting in the water is really healing,” said Air Force Veteran Krystal Rains.

According to a 2015 study, “The effects of colours, shapes and boundaries of landscapes on perception, emotion and mentalising processes promoting health and well-being,” by Charis Lengen, people have received pleasure and relief from being able to lose themselves in listening to the soothing motion of waves.

“The benefits of ocean therapy include mental well-being, improved circulation, relief from joint and muscle pain, better respiratory health, and wound healing,” said VAGLAHS Recreation Therapist Regina Acevedo, who leads these camps for Veterans. Acevedo, who’s been in the field for five years, emphasized the emotional and physical benefits of surfing.

“Participants have the chance to experience the thrill of learning something new or rediscover activities they once thought were no longer possible,” she said. “The saltwater in the ocean can be truly beneficial and healing.”

Another study from 2018, “Blue care: a systematic review of blue space interventions for health and wellbeing,” by Easkey Britton, Gesche Kindermann, Christine Domegan, and Caitriona Carlin, suggested that ocean therapy can improve physical and mental health, enhance psychological and social well-being, and increase opportunities for greater social connectedness. 

Get Involved

Retired Army Sergeant Major Mike Salazar, Veteran Engagement Manager for Team RWB, said that it is very important for Veterans to stay involved in the community. 

“Most Vets want to rekindle the bonds they had in the service. It extends life, promotes health, and creates camaraderie,” he said. With this in mind, Team RWB has made it a part of their mission to offer virtual and in-person opportunities to help Veterans and their families build healthier lifestyles.

At 1 p.m., the large group of approximately 110 volunteers and Veterans gathered for a huddle. Team RWB and VA staff encouraged Veterans to continue their journeys toward personal growth and connection by participating in future surfing events and/or volunteering.

Soon after the motivational gathering, it was time for everyone to return their wetsuits and rash guards, and hop onto their shuttles for departure.

"Whether a seasoned surfer or trying it for the first time, Waves of Valor invites all Veterans to experience the joy of adaptive surfing,” said Kleinsteuber.

To learn more about Waves of Valor’s partnership with VA or to get involved in the 2025 events, contact a VA Recreational Therapist:

• Myisha Jones: Myisha.jones2@va.gov 
• Regina Acevedo: 310-927-1004
• Claudia Ramirez: 424-768-2703
• Paige Velasquez: 818-744-0948
• Stephanie Simon: 626-679-3445