Our Giving Partner
Healing Heroes
One Wave at a Time
Every piece you wear carries purpose. $1 from every item sold goes to Operation Surf — channeling the healing power of the ocean to restore hope, purpose, and community for our veterans.
The SURF RED Pledge
For every piece of SURF RED gear sold, we donate $1 directly to Operation Surf. Your style funds surf therapy for the men and women who served. Ride the red wave — and ride it for a reason.
Their Mission
"To channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community."
Operation Surf's curriculum-based programs inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in every part of their lives — providing the resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to carry that mindset forward, indefinitely. One wave at a time.
"If they are dreaming of the waves tomorrow, they won't take their life today."
Why It Matters
A National Health Crisis
PTSD and service-related trauma leave a lasting mark. The VA and CDC have classified veteran mental health — PTSD and suicide among them — as a national health crisis. The numbers are staggering:
Veterans diagnosed with PTSD
Of those who actually seek help
Veterans lost to suicide every day
Our Impact
Backed by Research
Dr. Russell Crawford's study, "The Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder," measured real outcomes for Operation Surf participants:
Watch the Surf
The Healing Power of the Ocean
Feel the raw energy of the waves that drive everything Operation Surf stands for — press play to watch world-class surfing in action.
▶ Watch the VideoWhat Surfing Gives Back
Surfing Is Healing
A form of nature-based therapy that rebuilds what trauma takes.
Strength & Confidence
Standing up on a board rewrites the story a body tells itself — from broken to capable.
Hope & Inspiration
A new horizon and a community that shows up, every session, for the long haul.
Healing for the Soul
Salt water, steady breath, and shared waves quiet the noise of war.
The Programs
A Week That Changes Everything
The flagship Week-Long Program is an all-inclusive, no-cost adaptive surfing experience for wounded veterans and active-duty service members. Two days of travel and four days of surfing — wrapped in community.
- World-class adaptive surf instruction
- Opening blessing, daily yoga & mindfulness
- Group meals and peer-to-peer support
- Nightly 'Recap Reel' shared with families
- Closing award ceremony
- Healing paddle-out to honor fallen heroes
Upcoming: Santa Cruz (Mar 2026) · Central Coast (Oct 2026)
How They Operate
Core Values
Care
Inclusion
Commitment
Integrity
Communication
The Founder
Van Curaza
Operation Surf was founded by Van Curaza, a lifelong waterman who turned the healing he found in the ocean into a mission for others. Alongside his wife Amanda, Van built a movement rooted in a simple belief — that the ocean can restore what service has taken. Today their curriculum-based programs help veterans across the nation rediscover purpose, community, and joy, one wave at a time.
In Their Words
Veteran Voices
"Operation Surf has literally helped change my outlook on life. It has given me the tools to live better. To truly feel again and live my life."
"Most guys consider their 'Alive Day' the day they were blown up. For me, my Alive Day was when I came to Operation Surf. I realized I am not disabled — just differently able."
"I feel, for the first time in a long time, that I am the most emotionally and mentally equipped to deal with things. Because of surfing, and because of the community I have now."
Own the Outcome
The life-changing programs of Operation Surf are made possible by people just like you. Every SURF RED order adds another dollar to the mission.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Veteran Crisis Resources
You are not alone. These lines are free, confidential, and available 24/7.