Veterans from across the nation are finding renewed purpose and healing through adaptive surfing at La Jolla Shores in San Diego. The VA’s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is hosting nearly 150 injured veterans for a week of adaptive activities, with surfing proving to be a particularly powerful form of rehabilitation and community building.
A Wave of Healing
The 18th annual VA National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic has brought together veterans facing diverse challenges, including amputations, blindness, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries. The clinic offers a range of adaptive sports such as kayaking, cycling, and sailing, but the ocean has become a central focus for many participants.
For many, like U.S. Navy veteran Tyler Stein, who survived a severe motorcycle crash, surfing represents a significant milestone in recovery. "It was ecstatic," Stein shared after successfully riding a wave all the way to the beach. "I can’t wait to do it again."
Air Force veteran Rodney Jones from Tennessee admitted the waves were initially intimidating but ultimately an unforgettable experience. "Overall, I had a ball," he said.
Army veteran Ronda Jones, a two-time participant who lost a leg during Operation Desert Storm, expressed her gratitude for the program’s instructors who foster confidence. "They’re making me feel confident like I can make it happen," she stated, describing the experience as a "rush of excitement."
Beyond Recreation: Community and Confidence
More than just recreational therapy, the clinic is a vital component of early intervention for veterans dealing with both visible and invisible wounds. Army veteran Jeremy Davis from Colorado, who has been managing PTSD, highlighted how these outreach programs have helped him reclaim his life. "I’ve lost 220 pounds since I got active, and just enjoy getting out and getting out of my own head," Davis explained.
Frank Pearson, Director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System, emphasized the clinic’s role in fostering community, confidence, and transformation. "They’re able to do things they’ve never done before," Pearson noted. "They come here, it’s like mixed emotions. It’s like, ‘Gosh, I’m going to get out in the surf?’ And then they’re able to move past that, and take these experiences and grow."
The clinic provides a unique environment where veterans can overcome challenges, build camaraderie, and rediscover hope, proving that the ocean can be a powerful source of healing and resilience.
Key Takeaways
- The VA’s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego offers adaptive sports, including surfing, to help injured veterans heal.
- Participants report significant improvements in confidence, community connection, and overcoming physical and mental health challenges like PTSD.
- The program focuses on enabling veterans to achieve new milestones and rediscover hope through challenging yet rewarding activities.
Sources
- Veterans find healing at La Jolla through water sports, cbs8.com.
- Veterans find strength through adaptive surfing in San Diego, cbs8.com.
