Join us for a special presentation
from the Veterans Surf Alliance
This month, the Mid-County Senior Center will have a great presentation about the wonderful Veterans Surf Alliance which is positive, fun, enriching and so much more!
COME JOIN US to LISTEN and PARTICIPATE! Our guest, Richard West has some stories to share! Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:00PM
Veteran Surf Alliance (VSA) is a Santa Cruz based nonprofit that creates fellowship and community among veterans through surfing, easing the transition between military service and civilian living.
The mission is accomplished by teaching, coaching and mentoring veterans to surf and be respected members of their communities, providing access to surfboards, vital equipment, routine surf meetups and annual events.
The vision is to smooth the transition between military service and civilian living through surfing. The VSA wants veterans to find the same type of camaraderie they had while serving in the military with members of their community.
The VSA group meets in Santa Cruz the last Saturday of every month and in Pacifica every Tuesday, rain or shine. The Gunrunner Surf Camp meets regularly to surf at night. Members travel from San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and as far as Sacramento and Fresno. The group meets all over the Northern California coast.
This is a peer-led supportive community that fosters friendships, camaraderie, and stoke. Provided are soft top surfboards, wetsuits, and instruction to newcomers. They typically surf for about 2 hours, where they all share in the experience that the ocean offers that day, then share in a post-surf snack. Being a member of the VSA encourages a better sense of self and community. The VSA is excited to be expanding and welcoming new members and supporters, stickers included! There are no membership dues or fees.
“Camaraderie and therapy with a veteran focused community. And I am able to interact with veterans who I serve with. I am able to heal my issues in the ocean. The ocean gives me the opportunity to express myself in a manner that I have never found possible on dry land. Access to the oceans provided by the VSA has helped me learn how to readjust and surf through the challenges of life and overcome injuries. “
Nick R. – Army Soldier, Purple Heart Recipient
