Operation Surf: A Veteran’s Journey from Darkness to Light

Bert’s story is one of resilience and transformation, thanks to the powerful impact of Operation Surf. Living in Kansas City, Missouri, Bert first attended Operation Surf in November 2021, and the experience left such a profound mark on him that he returned as veteran support in May 2022, and even came back a third time to volunteer in the Santa Cruz event in March 2023 with his eldest daughter. When asked to sum up Operation Surf in a single word, Bert chose ‘life-giving.’

Operation Surf uses surfing—a form of nature-based therapy—to help veterans and active-duty military members heal, connect, and embrace a lifestyle of wellness. Founded in 2009 by former professional surfer Van Curaza, Operation Surf has since grown into a transformative program.

In 2020, Bert’s life was upended—he separated from his wife of eight years and lost his dream job as a distiller due to a spinal cord injury from his Army service in 2006. These events, combined with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, sent Bert into a deep spiral.

For someone who had always been open about their life and struggles, the act of accepting help had been a personal battle. Over the years, the inability to let others in led to a dark place of intense suicidal thoughts. Struggling to find an antidepressant that worked, he made a plan to overdose. But before he acted, he texted his therapist, giving her five minutes to respond. She replied almost instantly and got him the help he needed. Bert spent time in a psychiatric unit at the VA, receiving the best care he had ever experienced. Just days later, he was at Operation Surf, where he opened up to the staff about his recent crisis. 

Many veterans stay silent due to the fear of judgment which ultimately leads them fearful to ask for help. This silence is fueled by PTSD, anxiety, and depression—and is a brutal reality for many of our military members. They struggle to hold it together for their families, neglect themselves, and shove the pain aside until they simply can’t anymore. 

During his 2021 program, physically, mentally, and emotionally drained, Bert reached a point where he could no longer carry their burdens alone. For the first time, he willingly accepted help, allowing the walls he had built up to finally come down.

This is the healing power of the ocean at work. 

After returning home from the program, Bert shared, “I can’t remember the last time I felt this calm. I’m not in control of the world around me—and I don’t need to be.”

Bert says what sets Operation Surf apart is the unconditional compassion and love they offer. “They meet everyone right where they are—good, bad, or otherwise. The care they pour into people is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. It is truly humbling to have been served and cared for by such phenomenal people.” This acceptance and support were key to Bert’s healing.

The safe space Bert found to open up is a fundamental part of Operation Surf’s culture. This organization doesn’t just put together a program and hope for success; it’s guided by core values like care, inclusion, integrity, commitment, and communication. At the heart of Operation Surf is a culture rooted in gratitude, ohana (family), service, and joy—principles shaped by founder Van Curaza’s own recovery journey. Every aspect of the program is thoughtfully designed and driven by a passionate team deeply dedicated to the veterans and active-duty military they serve.

The curriculum is founded on constant thought of others and how our experiences can help someone else if we share them, the power of story. Van’s personal journey of recovery and his ability to share his story and what he has learned have been the fundamental foundation of what we do. Based on this foundation, the team lives by this culture and is all in alignment with how we serve others says founder Van Curaza. 

Operation Surf serves veterans, active-duty military, Special Operations Forces, and their spouses through a variety of programs. Currently, they offer 10 week-long programs, a local 3-month surf program for veterans, monthly surf days, and two virtual connection calls called The Canteen.

Today, Bert owns his own online surf shop, Delta Wave Surf, volunteers with Merging Vets and Players (MVP), and is planning to move to California’s Central Coast to help continue Operation Surf’s mission. He is deeply committed to their mission because, as he says, “It literally helped save my life.” 

Operation Surf is fueled by the kindness of people who believe in making a difference for our nation’s military. To join us as a sponsor for a future week-long program, email our Development and Outreach Manager, at madison@operationsurf.org, or check out www.operationsurf.org for more information. And be sure to watch the 2017 Netflix documentary on Operation Surf called ‘Resurface.’