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 all Veterans, active duty members, and their immediate family members.
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.
CLAYTON MERRITT
Executive Director
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.
_edited.jpg)
Candy oliver
Development Director
I joined Warrior Surf Foundation after learning about the organization when I saw someone I knew going through the program. As the daughter of a veteran who struggled with anxiety and depression—and who would have greatly benefited from a program like this—I felt a deep connection. With my love for the water, nature, yoga, and my background in nonprofit it felt like a perfect fit
After more than 20 years in the nonprofit world, I’ve never felt more grateful than I do now, being part of an organization that truly transforms lives. I absolutely love this community and the unwavering commitment to the mission that remains at the heart of everything we do.
_edited.jpg)
EMILY RITTENHOUSE
Director of Event & Operations
I made the move from NYC to Charleston in 2021 and quickly fell in love with the Folly Beach community.
​
I’ve spent the last 8 years working in software startup operations, helping early-stage organizations grow their teams and processes efficiently. I'm passionate about bringing like-minded people together and organizing experiences that help people truly feel at home.
After discovering Warrior Surf's mission in 2024, I joined the team to help veterans find connection and raise funds to keep our programs free for those who serve. It's been an honor getting to serve our veteran community and work alongside such a genuinely kind and passionate team.
Rachel Bilbo
Wellness Director
I’m a licensed clinical social worker with experience in addiction recovery, crisis counseling, and supporting people through major life transitions. I’ve been part of the Warrior Surf Foundation community as a wellness coach since 2023, and I’m honored to now serve as Director of Wellness. I also work part-time as an outpatient therapist on James Island.
​
My approach to care is rooted in relationship, connection, and community. I believe healing happens when people feel seen, supported, and respected as whole individuals — not defined by diagnoses or challenges. I’m open-minded about both traditional and holistic paths to wellness and passionate about reducing stigma around mental health care.
​
Grounded by nature and inspired by the ocean-based connection at Warrior Surf Foundation, I’m grateful to support Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through meaningful, community-centered care that fosters resilience, belonging, and hope.
JOSH SUGGS
Surf Ops Director
I'm grateful for this responsibility and excited to serve our community, especially our veterans. At 29, I've had experiences that have shaped me profoundly, both during my nearly four years in the Airborne Infantry and through my lifelong passion for surfing. Surfing, which began at 11 on a sinking board off Sandbridge Beach, Virginia, has been a constant in my life, offering an outlet and a sense of purpose. It taught me perseverance, even as I had to let go of my first custom board to pay my phone bill and stay connected to my military recruiter. My military service instilled discipline and brotherhood, essential lessons for civilian life. Though I haven't always shared my military experiences, I'm proud to be here now, supporting those with the courage to say, "Here I am, send me." Thank you, Aaron, for your dedication and impact at the foundation, and to the staff for trusting me with this role. I look forward to guiding you on the most radical wave of your life—the wave of change. Thank you for having me; I am happy to be here and ready to embrace the waves of change together.
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.
_edited.jpg)
Bill Jarboe
Chief Surf Instructor
As a former Army Infantryman with over 230 combat missions, I've navigated the challenges of service, transition, and post-uniform life. My journey through healing has led me to embrace life fully, preparing me for my role at Warrior Surf Foundation. WSF's inclusive atmosphere and the veterans' drive for self-improvement deeply resonate with me. I'm committed to all our programs - surf therapy, wellness, and yoga - having experienced their transformative power firsthand.
​
Off-duty, I'm a devoted husband and father, finding balance in surfing, fishing, and exploring nature. This connection to the outdoors aligns perfectly with my passion for helping fellow veterans heal and rediscover themselves.
From the battlefields of Iraq to the waves of Folly Beach, I've found that the ocean's healing power knows no bounds – and I've found my second service and am stoked to share my journey with my fellow veterans.
Board of Directors
J.K. Lloyd
Chairman of the Board
J.K. is the son of a 25 year Air Force Veteran and it fuels his passion for Warrior Surf Foundation. He spends his extra time outdoors; the beach, boating, fishing and chasing his two coonhound rescue dogs and 3 young children.
Stephanie Dasher
Board Member
Stephanie brings a decade of service to Warrior Surf Foundation to her role on the Board of Directors, including her tenure as the organization’s Executive Director. During that time she helped implement Dr. Maia Gill’s ADAPT wellness program and delivered a TEDx talk on surf therapy and its impact on veterans’ mental health.
A Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Certified Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Practitioner, and 200-hour RYT, Stephanie holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sacred Heart University. Her blend of clinical training, somatic trauma work, and yoga informs her commitment to helping individuals tap into their inner wisdom, build resilience, and live more authentically. She continues to serve the Warrior Surf mission by guiding the organization’s strategy and stewarding the programs she helped build.
Natasha Streets
Board Member
Natasha Streets is a public servant working in local government. You'll find her around town in book stores, eating Indian food, and playing mah jong. Natasha is passionate about the Warrior Surf Foundation's mission because she grew up on Air Force bases while her father served both at home and abroad.
Jessica Therivel
Board Member
Jessica is a longtime supporter of the Warrior Surf Foundation and is honored to serve on its board. She first became involved as a way to honor and support the friends and family she has who served in both the USMC and Army branches of our military. She believes deeply in the power of surfing, community, and connection to help veterans find healing, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Previously, Jessica was a social worker that specialized in hospice and end-of-life care but made a shift into non-profit volunteering full-time after COVID. Jessica loves spending time on the tennis court, walking her dog on the beach at Folly, hiking in the mountains of Asheville, and having a huge stack of library books on her nightstand.
Abbi johnson
Board Member
Abbi Johnson is a 20-year United States Air Force veteran and former Director of Supply Chain Security at the Defense Logistics Agency. A 2018 Warrior Surf Program graduate, Abbi found healing and peace through surfing and continues to champion its therapeutic benefits for fellow veterans.
Whit Slagsvol
Board Member
...
