~ Inspired by Body Glove
StandUP with a Warrior empowers active duty service members, veterans and wounded warriors who are transitioning out of combat situations and back into civilian life. They have the opportunity to continue their life of service and find new purpose by helping kids with special needs through stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and other activities featuring Surf Dog Ricochet and Cori.
The goal is to engage veterans as “Military Mentors”, while concurrently providing social activities and sensory experiences to the kids. We are committed to uniting and enriching the well-being of veterans and civilians of all abilities and backgrounds by fostering relationships and life experiences in a non-judgmental environment where everyone feels accepted. We create a family-oriented, non-threatening atmosphere of team work, trust, camaraderie, healing and transformation both in and out of the water.
We provide opportunities for individuals to feel a sense of belonging by connecting through authentic relationships while re-discovering themselves and others. Re-connection becomes less stressful as veterans are able to use their fitness expertise, team building skills, leadership skills and other abilities while engaging and improving the well-being of kids with special needs. This is a great sensory processing activity for children. They experience a new, fun water sport while gaining independence and confidence. The veterans and kids make a connection… and empower each other!
Each service member and/or veteran is matched with a child with special needs in an effort to build a supportive, encouraging relationship. The focus is on bonding, communication (not necessarily spoken), and most importantly… having fun! The bonds that form as each individual is triumphing over their personal battle is awe inspiring.
The goal is to engage veterans as “Military Mentors”, while concurrently providing social activities and sensory experiences to the kids. We are committed to uniting and enriching the well-being of veterans and civilians of all abilities and backgrounds by fostering relationships and life experiences in a non-judgmental environment where everyone feels accepted. We create a family-oriented, non-threatening atmosphere of team work, trust, camaraderie, healing and transformation both in and out of the water.
We provide opportunities for individuals to feel a sense of belonging by connecting through authentic relationships while re-discovering themselves and others. Re-connection becomes less stressful as veterans are able to use their fitness expertise, team building skills, leadership skills and other abilities while engaging and improving the well-being of kids with special needs. This is a great sensory processing activity for children. They experience a new, fun water sport while gaining independence and confidence. The veterans and kids make a connection… and empower each other!
Each service member and/or veteran is matched with a child with special needs in an effort to build a supportive, encouraging relationship. The focus is on bonding, communication (not necessarily spoken), and most importantly… having fun! The bonds that form as each individual is triumphing over their personal battle is awe inspiring.
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SUP is relaxing, enjoyable activity that engages the mind, body and spirit. It can provide a sanctuary, or zen like experience due to the calming and healing power of the water, and the healing power of dogs. It’s a peaceful experience that reduces stress and anxiety. Every day 22 veterans with PTSD take their life by suicide. It’s our hope that this program will reduce these alarming statistics.
Family members are encouraged to participate and/or volunteer to create a shared experience. They have the chance to go out and socialize without the worry of being judged. The results for both the veteran and the child are the same… decreased social anxiety, decreased isolation - improved communication, social skills, community re-connection and more. The transformation that occurs when we bring these diverse individuals together with our volunteers, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs and service dogs is truly magical. Please join us as we celebrate all warriors, regardless of their battle. |
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Balancing boards, balancing lives
If you are an active duty service member, veteran, child with special needs, person with a disability, or someone who wants to volunteer, go to our registration page and complete the form. We'll put you on the mailing list so you'll know when we have a Waves of Empowerment Surf Session. You can also like Ricochet's Facebook page and Facebrook Group to get updates.
Register to standUP with a warrior
If you'd like to StandUP with a warrior, or are interested in other activities, or you'd like to surf with Ricochet, please complete this
registration form.
registration form.
Volunteer with us
In addition to our veteran and special needs volunteers, we are always looking for water men and women, photographers, videographers, cheerleaders and friends! Just visit our volunteer opportunities page. We have opportunities both locally and globally, so it doesn't matter where you live... you can still get on board!
Get on board today!
There is never an expense to the kids, volunteers or participants. We provide the paddle boards and life jackets.
If you’d like to STAND UP and make a difference with a donation to help fund our Waves of Empowerment program, please click the donate button below.
If you’d like to STAND UP and make a difference with a donation to help fund our Waves of Empowerment program, please click the donate button below.
Thank you, Body Glove!
Our friends at Body Glove inspired our StandUP with a Warrior facet when they very generously donated two inflatable SUP’s. We are extremely grateful for their support which enables us to help veterans, while simultaneously helping kids with special needs.
Body Glove's new ISUPs are best in class, designed by champion paddler Luke Hopkins to be rigid, stable, yet incredibly convenient because they deflate and store in a comfortable storage bag.
They easily fit into our car! Check it out by clicking this link... Body Glove Cruiser 10 ISUP product video
Body Glove's new ISUPs are best in class, designed by champion paddler Luke Hopkins to be rigid, stable, yet incredibly convenient because they deflate and store in a comfortable storage bag.
They easily fit into our car! Check it out by clicking this link... Body Glove Cruiser 10 ISUP product video
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