Founded by American Combat Veterans and surfers in May of 2015 on Folly Beach, SC, Warrior Surf Foundation addresses post-service transition challenges such as PTSD, moral injury, survivor's guilt, and TBI through surf therapy, yoga, wellness sessions, and community.
Through Warrior Surf Foundation’s surf therapy program, we strive to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of Veterans, active duty service members, and their families through the experience of surfing.
Participants who successfully complete our 12-week surf therapy clinic are given the opportunity to serve as mentors to incoming participants (and to receive training in behavioral health awareness including stress management, active listening, and suicide awareness).
While our small group surf lessons provide an opportunity for more individualized surf instruction, our larger group sessions provide greater opportunities for socialization, team-building, family participation, and improved interpersonal communication skills.
Our program is available to Veterans and active service members with psychological and/or physical disabilities. Psychological disabilities include, but are not limited to, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, related mood or anxiety disorders, post-service transition challenges, moral injury, survivor's guilt, and TBI. Physical disabilities include, but are not limited to, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and physical amputation.
what is healing?
Success for us is:
Veterans incorporating the skills they learn in our program into their daily lives to create sustainable healing, ultimately becoming what we all deserve to be- positive active contributors to our socioeconomic system.
the warrior surf team
Andy Manzi
Co-Founder
After returning from tours overseas with the USMC, I found myself working through the effects of TBI, PTSD and depression. Through a good friend I was introduced to surfing, and from my first ice cold winter surf I knew I had discovered something important. Surfing changed my life and helped me to overcome those difficulties. It wasn't long before I knew this was something that other Veterans could benefit from, and so we launched our program. Over time it's grown to serve more Veterans, but we'll never stray from our roots - Veterans serving Veterans. If you show up for yourself, we'll show up for you.
Stephanie Dasher
Executive Director
I have the unique experience of being raised by a Veteran, marrying one, and serving in the Navy myself. I first learned about Warrior Surf Foundation when a VA staff member recommended it to my husband. Having seen the change in him, I couldn't help but wonder if something like WSF existed years ago, it might have changed my family's life. Working for WSF has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Sure, I have ample opportunity to surf, but what really keeps me going is seeing other Veterans light up, not just for themselves but each other. There's no greater feeling that watching my peers remember who they are and finding their purpose again.
CLAYTON MERRITT
Director of Surf Operations
After separating from the Army in 2017, I struggled to find an outlet to fill the void left by the military. I was encouraged multiple times by a friend to try Warrior Surf. I finally caved and signed up, and since then, surfing has become as important in my life as eating and sleeping. Though I have not been surfing for many years, I believe my passion for it makes up for the lost time. Now, my goal is to introduce surfing to as many Veterans as possible so it might change their life the way it has changed mine. There are few greater sights than watching someone's face as they catch their first wave and knowing they are hooked for life.
AARON GRANDLE
Chief Surf Instructor
I am a U.S. military veteran of over ten years and an avid surfer dedicated to the enhancement of surf coaching and surf therapy for Veterans. I am certified as an ARC Lifeguard, CPR, AED and First Aid, as well as USLA Nearshore Rescue and I posess an ISA Level 1 Surf Coach certification.
Jessica Depaoli
Wellness Director
I am a clinical social worker who has had the honor of working with all walks of life. With a background in substance use disorder treatment, the unique struggles of veterans quickly became clear to me. I’m passionate about helping fill the void of resources that exists for our veteran community and destigmatizing mental health in general. Upon learning about WSF’s mission, I knew I wanted to be a part of this holistic, experiential method of healing. I look forward to serving the WSF community (and selfishly spending more time on Folly Beach, of course.)
Brian Ronnenberg
Assistant Director of Wellness
I am currently a holistic-based counselor in private practice and wellness coach with Warriors Surf Foundation. Through these roles and with eight years of mental health experience, I have worked in a variety of settings from inpatient crisis homes to surf therapy on Folly Beach. This unique perspective has taught me that people benefit from a variety of approaches and often overlook the most simple and natural. Surf, yoga, and mindfulness have become staples of what I offer in my office setting, as well as the wonderful work that is done through Warrior Surf camps.
TIFFANY SCHAAL
Yoga Coordinator
I am a yoga teacher and acupuncturist who takes great pride and honor in supporting our Veteran community. Before moving to Charleston, I found Warrior Surf on Instagram and knew this was an organization I had to be a part of. I am dedicated to providing a safe place for our Veterans to re-connect to their bodies, minds, and spirit of who they are. I look forward to seeing you on your mat.
Cody Hendrick
Chief Community Ambassdor
A fourth generation military veteran, served in the Air Force overseas in European command with one combat deployment to Iraq. Having lived both as a dependant and a servicemember in the armed forces I understand the unique pressures that are put on both those serving and their family members. It took me quite a while to find my footing as a veteran/citizen. I have been a struggling member of society; I found many woes, some created by myself and others by circumstance. Now that I have experienced the power of surf therapy I have made it one of my many goals to spread awareness to others. I am a carpenter, engineer, breath coach, father and husband. Warrior Surf became a staple of my recovery and I hope it becomes a part of your story as well. See you out in the line-up!