A Surfivor Thursday Surf & Culture Report
Lost Boys & Co...
We had the distinct honor and pleasure to meet and surf with Ben Brondsema this morning! Ben is the founder of "Surfivor", a Dutch foundation dedicated to helping those with PTSD... Take a minute and read their mission statement below...
Living without fear and with a purpose is our mission
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is a disease that has a huge impact on the lives of the person suffering from it, but also on that of the family, relatives and friends. Social isolation, depression, panic attacks, re-experiences, aggression and even (attempts at) suicide. PTSD is a common problem among veterans and police, fire and ambulance personnel.
The Surfivor Foundation programs help these men and women to come out of this negative spiral. To get meaning in life again, to face challenges and to go for it. We do this through surf therapy, also known as ocean therapy. Our ingredients: a surfboard, some good waves, fresh air, professional and enthusiastic guidance and a company that knows what you are going through. Together we make life a little more beautiful.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is a disease that has a huge impact on the lives of the person suffering from it, but also on that of the family, relatives and friends. Social isolation, depression, panic attacks, re-experiences, aggression and even (attempts at) suicide. PTSD is a common problem among veterans and police, fire and ambulance personnel.
The Surfivor Foundation programs help these men and women to come out of this negative spiral. To get meaning in life again, to face challenges and to go for it. We do this through surf therapy, also known as ocean therapy. Our ingredients: a surfboard, some good waves, fresh air, professional and enthusiastic guidance and a company that knows what you are going through. Together we make life a little more beautiful.
"Everything changes when your board hits the water." - Ben Brondsema
Those of us who are lucky to surf and experience our oceans can immediately relate to importance and efficacy of what they are doing. We'll find out how we can most easily donate to this program and share that information with you. Next time we're in Holland, we're going to make sure we head for the coast and join Ben, Demi, Rowan and Marieke for a surf! We managed to catch a quick snap of the group at Brother's this morning (#1) as they warmed up with some coffee... Along with our cast of regulars including the mermaids, we have Demi, Rowan and Ben!
Overcast this morning, with about 3 miles visibility. Winds were calm and the sea surface was smooth. The air temp was 58.6 and the water is 64.8. High tide was at 6:29am +4.9' and low tide follows at 12:33pm +1.8'. We have a weak WSW swell out of 253º at 2.0' and it was knee to thigh high, but still some fun little grinders...
Join us at Basq Kitchen this Friday for a little happy hour mischief...
✠"When the surf breaks, we'll fix it"
The Professor!!
