Operation Cornish Wave

Our weekend at Polzeth was amazing. Thanks to all the guys who came down from Hasler Company. The determination they showed was infectious and Surf Action was proud to be there to show each of these injured troops how great surfing is. Pictured above is Jonny 'Bear' Linaker and below the group shot. Surf Action would like to thanks Gul Wetsuits, Surfs Up Surf School for the rash vests, watercooled for the t-shirts, The Oyster catcher for our accommodation, our instructors, Freddy Warwick, Mark Eley, Bryn Hall, Jackson Higgs, Rob Joules and most importantly the members of Hasler Company. Jason Hare, Nicholas Gibbons, Ben McBee, Bear, Danny Claricoates and also Antony Lambert their surgeon who worked on these guys directly after they were wounded. Thanks agin for letting us introduce you to surfing. For those who would like to know more please visit our website www.surfaction.co.uk

Surf Action

Our last few months have been very busy setting up Surf Action as an non-profit organisation. We now have a little funding to run events and do all we can to use surfing to offer vets and their families an opportunity to come to the beach, go surfing and experience something that could change your life. Pictured here are a few of the great people helping to support us, including James Parry nearest who represents GulWetsuits who have kindly said they will support us. Also Bob Paxman (in Black shirt) from talking to Minds, Graham Richardson from The Royal British Legion (second left), vets Martin Webster, Simon Rogers, Rich Emerson, and Trevor Luttrell. Instructors kindly giving their time are Mark Eley (Back row) and Freddy Warwick(RoyalMarine & Navy Surf Club seated).
Thankyou all for your support.

Combat Surfers on Drift Magazine

The article that Russ Pierre has written on myself is now online. If you follow the link below you will find it.

http://www.driftsurfing.eu/index.php?cat=199&desc=Interview&subcat=1

Operation Amped up!!!

A great and truly memorable weekend was had by all at Gwithian Beach this weekend. Thankyou to all our sponsors and amazing people that gave up their time to help out and support this worthy cause. The guys that attended gave 100% and this made the whole weekend amazing. Photos will be sent to those who took part and more shots will be put here over the next few days. Thankyou again to everyone...Stay Stoked!

Thanks for the support.

Thanks so much to Robbie Macintosh for designing this for our t-shirts. Those attending the camp will be receiving a shirt thanks to Doug at Sunset Surf who is very kindly funding these. Robbie contributes each week to our local newspaper 'The Cornishman' and is a fantastic cartoonist. I have added a link below for anyone who may like to check Robbies amazing creations. This design features both male and female members of the forces as both are faced with daily battles. Thanks again Robbie.

Combat Surfers

Welcome to Combat Surfers. This blog is aimed to help others who have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (combat stress) and all amputies and injured as a result of their Military Service whilst serving in any one of the numerous campaigns around the world both past and present. Surfing has introduced me to a very special global community. I have met some of the most diverse and interesting characters, I have travelled to and experienced some amazing cultures on my quest to be a better person and surfer. Inspired by Operation Amped in California, our UK surf camps are being developed to introduce serving or ex-service personnel to the world of surfing. The surf camps will allow you to experience something very new, and in the process find the support and motivation you may need to move ahead in life. As cliched as it sounds, and taken from the film Point Break, 'surfing is a source, and it can change your life'.
I will use this blog to inform you of any events, help and advice, projects and workshops that are now becoming increasingly available through a 'not for profit' company set up by Stuart Thompson and myself named SURF ACTION. Our first event happening on the 19th and 20th of September 2009 on Gwithian Beach, Hayle, near Penzance, Cornwall. Our first surf camp is already gathering momentum and aims to create awareness of PTSD and help for amputees, however, our main objective is to ensure that those taking part are shown an alternative path and receive valuable support. It has taken me a long time to get where I am today, arguably I have found the way forward the hard way, the help is there and if I can lead you forward then we can lead others as well.
Photography by Russ Pierre www.russpierrephotography.blogspot.com