Spotlight: Sean Meyer of the Veteran Surf Alliance

Q: Introduce yourself! 

I'm the founder of the Veteran Surf Alliance (VSA) and a Veteran Representative for Santa Cruz County. After clearing roadside bombs in Afghanistan, I became a medic and served on the Forward Surgical Team (ABN). I now live in Santa Cruz with my wife and kids. 

Q: What is the Veteran Surf Alliance and why did you create it? 

The VSA is a veteran-led, volunteer-run Santa Cruz-based nonprofit that hosts ongoing events along the California coast. Our organization creates healthy communities of veterans and first responders. We host multiple learn-to-surf days, surf clinics, beach clean-ups, surf contests, retreats, and much more. Many transitioning veterans feel lost and isolated upon discharge or retirement, and by providing these support networks, we can help them tap back into purpose and well-being. Surfing saves lives. It saved my own back in 2017 after I transitioned from active duty to the National Guard. Through learning how to surf and sharing it with others, I understood my new mission and what I had to do. In 2018, I led a group of veterans and supporters who committed to each other that we would surf at Pacifica every Tuesday, no matter what was going on or how dark our headspace was. We always felt much lighter after the surf session, and they call that blue mind. Surfing forces you to get out of your head and into the present moment, thus creating a flow state. It is in that flow state that much of the healing can be done and part of it is sharing with other trusted individuals.  

We committed to sharing this as much as possible and became a 501c3 nonprofit in 2019. I moved my family to Santa Cruz to grow roots and build the organization. After serving as President for the first four years, we were lucky enough to have Dan take over that role as I accepted a position with the Veteran Service Office (VSO) for Santa Cruz County. The VSA and helping veterans are my new missions, along with being a husband and father. 

Q: How has the ocean impacted the lives of Veteran Surf Alliance members? 

It's saving lives. Surfing reduces PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety while increasing self-worth and love. Alternative therapies like this are having a positive impact, breaking away from the fluorescent lights of the VA and using the ocean as the medium for healing and growth. If you're thinking about surfing tomorrow then you are not taking your life today. It gives you a reason to stay sober and create healthy life patterns. 

It's something to look forward to because there is no better feeling than paddling out with a few friends before dawn, watching the sun come up while dropping in on a head-high wave. Whatever happens the rest of the day, good or bad, we can tap into that moment and find a sense of calm. Doing this consistently over time will create new healthy habits and thinking patterns connecting us to a deeper purpose and meaning. The ripple effect is profound, positively affecting everyone around us. You develop a love for something bigger than yourself – the ocean is all-powerful, and we must protect it at all costs. 

Having access to the ocean and clean water is very important to the VSA. 

Q: Are there local or specific issues impacting our ocean and coasts that are of special importance to you? 

Contaminated waters have been an ongoing issue. Sometimes our members will report catching a cold or congestion after surfing in dirty water. I find plastic litter on the beach every time I walk my dog along Manresa and Sunset beach as well, and having safe access to the ocean is also important because the ocean is for everyone. 

Q: What has been the highlight so far of your involvement in the VSA? 

In the military, you are going non-stop, dealing with incredibly stressful situations, constant training, and combat deployments. You do this with your team and trust that your fellow warrior will watch your back. You are not alone; you serve with the most honorable of men and women, and when you transition out, it leaves a huge void. Most try to fill it with pills and alcohol. 

By surfing with our group, veterans get to resurface in society with the support they need. In a way, we are all growing together. It's not just the surfing; it's the community and network of support that really makes the impact. I get the opportunity to work with a new team, with people I respect and admire very much, and that has been the greatest gift. Surround yourself with the right people, and your life will improve. 

Q: What is the most important thing you tell others about the VSA? 

If you're new, getting started is always the hardest part. Step out of your comfort zone a bit and try something new; it may open up a new world in the ocean. If you’re a veteran in need of any kind of support, please reach out at 415-847-4423. If surfing isn't your thing, we have a vet mountain bike group, golf, fishing, hiking, you name it, so get out in nature and find your tribe! And always pack your trash on the way out!

Consider volunteering with us or any of your local nonprofits, we cannot do this alone and rely on community support and donations. 

Q: How can people get involved? 

You can get involved with the VSA by contacting membership director Mike, MikeJ@veteransurfalliance.com or for verteran support / resources contact me at Sean@veteransurfalliance.com. 

Q: Anything else?  

I would echo Dan in saying spread the stoke. Next time you’re surfing and you see the new guy, be encouraging because you never know what someone else has had to deal with and where they are at. Be a contributor to positive energy in the lineup and out in the rest of the world.