|
STOKE SQUAD
Operation Amped Takes Veterans into the Water
By:
Pam Rittelmeyer
|
June 2, 2008
11655 views | 28 comments
|
|
Zuma Jay was on Zuma Beach as a concerned surfer,
but also as a member of the Malibu City Council: "Let's put our politics aside for the day," he said to a group of two dozen veterans and three dozen volunteers. "Some of you can't swim and some of you can't even walk, but we're here to help you get a taste of what myself and a lot of the others can't live without."
Operation Amped happened just after Memorial Day. Local Malibu surfers as well as pros like Allen Sarlo, Ken Bradshaw, Garrett MacNamara, Jamie Sterling, Shaun Tomson and the Gudauskus brothers were at Zuma Beach in Malibu to take the veterans into the surf, most for the first time. |
|
Some of the veterans have brain injuries; others have lost limbs. Some of the wounds were visible in scars, but all had some level of disability as a result of their time in service. Shot, blown up, crashed in helicopters and Humvees: these people had been through moments tougher than civilians can probably even imagine, so they were ready to tackle the ocean in spite of their physical and mental states. What stood out even more than the odd sight of wheelchairs next to surfboards and the footprints of artificial feet in the sand was the camaraderie of these brave men and women. Those who were able-bodied, or in some cases, merely well adjusted to their injuries, did everything they could to make the more disabled comfortable in the water. Doctors and volunteers from the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System were there to lend a hand. Veterans who were unable to walk on their own were rolled into the shallow part of the ocean in specially built wheelchairs and then they were assisted onto long soft-top surfboards, dozens of them donated for the day by Skyler Lasky Peake of Sicky Dicky, an events promotion company based in Malibu. Imagine lying on a board as the waves come towards you and not having the ability to paddle or swim your way through. These Marines, soldiers, and sailors had to rely on others to push them into the ocean and then into the waves so that they, too, could experience the thrill of surfing. A lot of them knew nothing about surfing and did not understand that some of the bravest, most talented watermen in the history of the sport - guys who would be generals if surfers had rank - were bobbing alongside them, judging the best of the small waves, giving them a push and then swimming after them. Some of the veterans wiped out repeatedly, going over the falls, pearling. Others got to their feet, riding the waves onto hard sand as the crowd cheered. The joy they felt showed in the glow that came for each and everyone of their faces as they rode the waves. Some of the veterans wiped out repeatedly, going over the falls, pearling. Others got to their feet, riding the waves onto hard sand as the crowd cheered.
After lunch they were back out in the water. A platoon of seals, jumping around and fighting for bait fish with an aerial squadron of pelicans, joined them in the waves. The second session lasted for another couple of hours, and no one left willingly. For the surfers, a couple hours in the water felt even better by helping these veterans bathe their battered brains and bodies in the cool adrenalin of the ocean. For the veterans, many of whom had spent years in hospitals, it felt good to get exercise in the sun and fresh air. This is the third year for Operation Amped and this was the first of four Operation Amped clinics that will take place during the summer. They need volunteers, equipment and money, so if you want to get in on the next one, check out their website at www.operationamped.com. SURFLINE HOME PAGE MORE SURF NEWS |
|
|
Comments: (28) Add Your Comment
KIm 06/10/2008 09:00 AM
I was one of the lucky volunteers that worked that event.
My wife works as a Physical Therapist at the west L.A.
VA Hospital and invited me to join them. It was an humbling experience to work with these brave men and women who have given so much to this country. I encourage us all to help a Veteran when the opportunity arises. God Bless
Rodney Roller 06/06/2008 04:33 PM
It was my pleasure and honor to help give these brave soldier our gift of surfing. Support our troops.
Dana Cummings 06/06/2008 03:14 PM
Way to go Operation Amped!!! Thanks for letting Ampsurf help out at your event. Rodney and I really enjoyed it and are looking forward to working with you more in the future.
surfserpent 06/06/2008 08:33 AM
As a former Marine, I cannot express in words how much I appreciate these guys helping out our veterens. I've been a surfer for 31 years and it's a wonderful thing to see the surf community give such a warm gift to these guys. Touching, to say the least.
Mike 06/05/2008 07:42 PM
Nice to read this story before starting my day. Very, very cool to see some of the world's great watermen sharing the stoke of surfing with those veterans who have sacrificed so much. Cheers to all involved.
stoked in san diego 06/05/2008 03:44 PM
if only everyone had the courage it takes to face the waves without the ability to tredge on thru, our world would be a much stronger place. these men proved they still have what it takes! Props to the pros and a big MAHALO to our vets!
Frank Perleche 06/05/2008 01:58 PM
Its Fantastic, the spirit of this great people.
Saludos de Lima, Peru.
Mike 06/05/2008 12:22 PM
Our heroes are the best of us... Glad to see them get enjoy some surf stoke!
Ronald C. Lewis 06/05/2008 12:05 PM
As a retired member of the U.S. Navy and an active surfer of 38 years, I'd like to personally thank all of the voluteer's that took the time to extend such a heartfelt warmth to the many U.S. Veteran's involved in this event. This is what surfing is all about. Thumbs up to all of "our" veteran's and active duty service members - Thank you!!!
Christiaan Bailey (Life Rolls On) 06/05/2008 11:58 AM
Hells ya fellas!...I'm so stoked to see it turn out as well as it did! :D Big props to my bro's Rodney and Dana from AAS, for putting on such a kick ass event!
Ronny 06/05/2008 11:42 AM
Thank you and mahalo to all of the surfers who donated their time to help these vets!!! I also would like to echo Peter Washington's comments!!
peter washington 06/05/2008 07:28 AM
Coolest article on Surfline in a long while. Blessings on the generous surfers who reached out to the Vets. Surfers really can be cool, sometimes... I'm proud to be one when stuff like this goes down
Jimmy 06/05/2008 07:09 AM
For me, the ocean is a source of tranquility and balm for a bruised soul. During those trying times when my life becomes unbalanced, surfing helps bring things back toward the center. Just being a few yards off shore and looking back at dry land changes my perspective on everything. While I have never been through anything remotely like our wounded veterans, I pray that the ocean will have the same healing effect on those who participated. Thank you for all you do at home and abroad!
Pod 06/05/2008 07:00 AM
So cool, I can't imagine what these guys have experienced, and we all know the ocean has a way of washing away problems or bad memories. Great job by all and thanks.
DANO 06/05/2008 06:34 AM
View All Comments (28 comments)
THANKS FOR GIVING BACK TO THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN! ALL GAVE SOME,SOME GAVE ALL! FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! THANK GOD FOR OUR MILITARY! SHARE THE STOKE WITH THESE GUYS THAT COULD USE SOME LOVE, NOT PITY!
Add Your Comment:
ABOUT SURFLINE'S COMMENTS: Surfline comments are intended to foster and continue a community discussion and/or debate on the topic brought up by the feature above. We encourage you to comment and express your opinion. Before commenting, you should know that Surfline Comments are moderated, which means that comments containing personal attacks, excessive profanity, or off-topic remarks may not be posted. Also, 'EDITOR'S PICKS' are comments that we feel capture points-of-view from all sides of the issue at hand, not necessarily the comments Surfline most agrees with. Thanks. --the editors
|