Surfer spotlight

Our surfer spotlight shares a glimpse into the lives of our participants and celebrates the positivity and tremendous outcomes our surfing program is bringing. Our programs run for 4 weeks (4 x 2hr lessons each weekend) and are aimed at those with very little to no surfing experience, They are free to all participants thanks to our generous sponsors and program partners. 

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health

For many first responders and veterans, the weight of traumatic experiences can take a serious toll on mental health. Workplace injuries, repeated exposure to distressing events, and the pressure to stay resilient can make it difficult to reach out for help. One participant shared how they struggled with severe PTSD, unable to open up to family or professionals about their experiences.

A Safe Space to Heal

Operation Soul Surf provided a unique platform for participants to share their stories in a safe and inclusive environment. Strangers at first, they quickly bonded through shared experiences, recognising familiar struggles in each other’s eyes. The surf therapy program created a sense of trust, understanding, and camaraderie—something many had been missing.

The Power of the Ocean

Beyond the conversations, the ocean itself played a vital role in the healing process. Participants described feeling an overwhelming sense of joy, inner peace, and freedom as they rode the waves. For one, it was the first time in years they had experienced a moment of true peace.

More Than Just Surfing

Operation Soul Surf isn’t just about learning to surf—it’s about recovery, resilience, and rediscovering a sense of purpose. The experience provided participants with practical tools to help them manage stress and prepare for the challenges of their work and daily life.

Watch the full video to hear these powerful stories firsthand. Click below to see how Operation Soul Surf is making a real difference.

Rye is a Young Army veteran who had his emerging career cut short after being injured and then diagnosed with musculoskeletal & neurological lower limb injuries which were progressive & degenerative.

At age 19, Rye was at war with his own body. “I’d get to that feeling like, oh shit, nothing is going to happen, I’d be better off without any legs because they caused more issues and got in the way”. In 2018 Rye finally underwent a successful operation that implanted a battery pack in his butt cheek that is connected to wires running through his spinal cord. He required months of recovery but the surgery and implant allows him short stints out of his wheelchair with the use of a walking stick.

Rye turned up at OSS3 and without making a fuss about his disability, he stood for the first time towards the end of session 1 and went on to catch wave after wave over the following weeks and we could not be prouder to have played a part in this.

VIDEO: Scott McAulay and Fred Farquhar

We first met Blaire when we launched OSS1 in 2021. Blaire was part of our debut program and at that time he was battling PTSD and depression as a result of years of frontline policing and multiple traumatic and critical incidents.

He turned to our program in the hope it might assist him in some way and we are so blessed to see the progress he has made since the day he first turned up at OSS.

Despite living a long way from the beach and needing to do a 400+km round trip to have a surf, Blaire is dedicated to looking after his mental and physical health.

VIDEO: Scott McAulay and Fred Farquhar