3 minute read
“Surfing transforms the traumas of the past into renewed purpose and belonging. The ocean is truly healing."
The unpredictable nature of the sea leaves little room for the mind to wander.
With the rush of the swell and the waves, you’re fully immersed in what’s happening in real time.
It’s the necessary mental respite that veterans from Operation Surf’s programs find great peace in.
An estimated one in three veterans are diagnosed with PTSD, and less than 40% seek help. A heartbreaking 22 veterans commit suicide per day.
It’s these alarming statistics that power the work of the US charity, Operation Surf. They create a safe and understanding space in the ocean to empower injured military and veterans, helping them through mental health struggles such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Van Curaza, Director and Founder of Operation Surf, is a former pro surfer who has dedicated his life to helping others through surfing after working through his own struggles with addiction. “When we started helping and serving veterans, I realised that there were some parallels, and the mindset that helped me through my darkest times could really help these guys.”
The organization provides a range of programs to introduce surfing to participants, including the OS3, a three-month, locally focused program.
Operation Surf’s Communications Manager, Payton Carty, explains, "OS3 is a truly special program we offer at Operation Surf, giving veterans the opportunity to surf together twice a week at various locations along the Central Coast for three whole months! Through this commitment—to the program and to one another—we’ve seen real, lasting transformation take place.”
Research conducted by Dr. Russell Crawford, author of “The Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,” suggests that Operation Surf’s programs have resulted in:
- A 36% decrease in PTSD symptoms
- A 47% decrease in depression
- A 68% increase in self-efficacy
A core part of Operation Surf is its ability to provide a community-building platform for veterans. Payton sums up its impact, “Veteran participants often reconnect with their brothers and sisters in service in a new way through learning to surf together. Life after service can be difficult to navigate, with the challenges of trauma from war and the isolation that can follow upon returning home. This program is more than surfing—it’s a platform to build lifelong friendships, community, and a lifestyle of health and wellness.”
Here at Dryrobe®, we share Operation Surf’s belief that the ocean is a place of transformative power, and we want to ensure that those who are trying to live with PTSD and other traumas receive the care and access they need to Ocean Therapy.
We’re proud to support this incredible charity through Dryrobe® Warmth Project with financial contributions and product donations to keep participants warm and dry between their surf sessions.
Follow Operation Surf:
Facebook: Operation Surf
Instagram: @operationsurf
TikTok: @operationsurf
LinkedIn: Operation Surf
#dryrobeterritory
Published on November 05, 2025