1. sports
2. surfing and bodyboarding

 Operation Surf Santa Cruz  Event Information, Endorsements, and Testimonials  Participant Images and Quotes  Sponsorship Packet Healing
Honoring
Heroes
Dear Friend,
My name is Richard Schmidt. I have the honor of being part of an incredibly healing, and
amazing event here in Santa Cruz. Operation Surf is an epic life changing adventure for our
wounded heroes; giving them confidence to move forward in their lives in a positive direction.
This unique form of recreational rehabilitation exposes participants to the healing power of the
ocean through adaptive surfing, taught by world class instructors.
Our week-long, all-inclusive event provides an environment where participants work to
overcome perceived limitations of their physical and psychological disabilities. I invite you to
join in supporting Operation Surf, where we value and believe in healing and honoring our
wounded active duty men and women, and veterans. We can do this through strong community,
committed volunteers, and with the financial support of folks like you.
Aloha,
Richard Schmidt
-“Soft-spoken and methodical big-wave rider from Santa Cruz, California; runner-up in the 1999 Maverick’s contest,
and founder of Richard Schmidt Surf Schools. He came to the attention of the surf world in 1980, after Surfing magazine
published photos of him charging thick, explosive waves at Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Schmidt visited the North Shore for the
first time in 1979, and steadily built a reputation as a cool hand in larger surf. In 1989 he won the XCEL Pro and placed third in
the World Cup, both held at Sunset Beach; he placed third in the 1990 Eddie Aikau contest at Waimea bay, and a photo of
Schmidt racing down a 25 foot gray-blue Waimea wall during the finals was published on the cover of Surfing.” Excerpts from
The Encyclopedia of Surfing.
- Operation Surf is a program of Amazing Surf Adventures, a California 501 (c)3 Non-profit Organization - 1734 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 - (831) 818-2002 - Tax ID 26-3661313 -
Hello,
I’m Van Curaza, CEO and Founder of Amazing Surf Adventures, Co-Founder of Operation Surf.
I’ve been a surf instructor since 1984, and paired with Richard Schmidt in 2003. My passion for
surfing and staying in the ocean saved my life. I share my experiences and mentor others on the
beneficial value of surfing, and the lifestyle it brings. We need your support! In order to
accomplish our mission, we rely upon individuals and organizations like yours. Without the
financial backing of our donor community, young men and women whom we owe so much will
miss out on this fantastic opportunity. I invite you to please consider one of our sponsorship
levels on the pages that follow. We hope to count on you to help support our cause, and Thank
You in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Van Curaza
President
Amazing Surf adventures
- Van Curaza grew up surfing on the Central Coast of California. He began sharing his love of surfing in 1984 with
students from 5 to 83 years old. He was also an instructor for Richard Schmidt School from 2003 to 2008. In 2006 Van became
involved with adaptive surf programs, and helped differently abled students. Many of these were Veterans of wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and caught and rode their first waves. In 2008 he assisted with the first National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in
San Diego, California, and was paramount in making the surf venue the most successful event during the week long clinic. This
effort continues today. Van is currently working with the staff from Blue Mind 3, an organization that researches the healing
effects of the ocean.
“By supporting Operation Surf you will be helping an organization that uses the ocean to try to
help heal individuals who have been impacted by war. The connections that are made last long
after the week is over and the waves have been ridden. Operation Surf creates a community
amongst the participants of understanding and support. This can be helpful to the surfing soldiers
long after they go back to their day to day lives. I personally was inspired and impressed by the
strength and determination of the individuals who participated in Operation Surf.”
Laird Hamilton
Legendary Waterman and Big Wave Surfer
“I could physically see how Laird was inspired by his time with Operation Surf. Working with the
surfers started out as him doing something to help others, but ended up being a huge gift and
source of inspiration to Laird. Operation Surf is truly connecting with these soldiers and changing
their lives. If you ever wanted to get involved with supporting a worthy cause, Operation Surf
should be at the top of your list.”
Gabby Reece
American Volleyball Champion, Best Selling Author, Model
- Operation Surf is a program of Amazing Surf Adventures, a California 501 (c)3 Non-profit Organization - 1734 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 - (831) 818-2002 - Tax ID 26-3661313 -
“Watching these vets in the water is something else. There’s a sense of achievement
that destroys their perceived limitations, lifts their self esteem, brings them
together with others like themselves, and rebuilds their psychological strength.”
Blue Mind pg. 168
!
Wallace J. Nichols, Author of Blue Mind
"This picture sums up
Operation Surf. For those
of you who don't know me
too well, seeing me smiling
on a picture is rare...this
was a truly life changing
trip. I have just gotten
back to the UK and would
just like to say thank you
to the whole Operation
Surf family that has helped
change so many lives.
What you are doing is
truly amazing. The vibe of
the whole trip, in and out
of the water, is perfect.
Please keep doing what you do. Again, thank you to the whole family at Operation Surf and I
hope that all our paths cross again soon." -Andrew B.
"I've been thinking about things this
week as it was 4 years ago today that I
was caught in an IED blast. Most
people would say this is my alive day,
this is what's got me thinking. For me I
feel that although it is the day my life
was changed forever it is not the day I
was reborn as who I am now. This
happened at the beginning of October
2012. This was when I attended
Operation Surf for the first time. I found
out who I am there and found
something for the first time I can
remember that I love. I want to take
this moment to thank everyone who has
helped me over the last 4 years. You all
rock." -Martin P.
"It was such a moving and positive experience
to be a part of Operation Surf, such a selfless
organization and event that literally went "allout" to cater to and provide an unforgettable
week to the wounded veterans...
I truly believe the ocean has a special power
and ability to heal and to provide therapy in so
many ways that is unique to everyone. It was
amazing and inspirational to be alongside our
fellow veterans out in the water and to see how
everyone was able to enjoy surfing and the
ocean in spite of the numerous disabilities each
of us has. This is an amazing event and I hope
that our fellow wounded EOD veterans get a
chance to take part in it. I can't thank you
enough!" -Jarret R.
“Thank you to my new family Operation Surf
for giving me another reason to keep moving
not just forward, but upward.”
-Michael E. USMC Double Amputee above the
knee
“I had decided to check surfing
off my bucket list and after I
got back I was going to kill
myself. While I was at
Operation Surf there was this
sense of peace that came over
me and I realized my life
wasn’t mine to take. If
something like surfing can
bring peace to my life then I
should live on and try to help
as many other veterans as
possible.”
-Bobby L. USMC; PTSD and
Traumatic Brain Injury
“Operation Surf helped me realize
that my brain injury and paralysis
don’t limit my dreams. The clinic was
a great stepping-stone for me. Now
life holds no limits!”
-Jason M. Age 37, US Army;
traumatic brain injury and paralysis
AMAZING
SURF
ADVENTURES’
OPERATION SURF
SANTA CRUZ
2015
SPONSORSHIP PACKET
2015 OPERATION SURF SANTA CRUZ
SPONSORSHIP PACKET
OUR LAST EVENT WAS COVERED BY OVER 10 NEWS OUTLETS,
INVOLVED OVER 150 VOLUNTEERS AND NEARLY 1,000
SUPPORTERS.
THE EVENT
We are thrilled to announce the 6th annual Operation Surf Santa Cruz this
April 21‐ 27th, 2015. Wounded active duty and veteran service members from
various branches of the U.S. military will take part in an epic, life -changing
experience at beaches across Santa Cruz. The event is led by Van Curaza Surf
School (Avila Beach) with support from Richard Schmidt Surf School (Santa
Cruz) and world class surfers and instructors including Anthony “Tazzy”
Tashnick, Darryl “Flea” Virostko, Anthony Ruffo, Marcel Soros, and Rodney
Roller. This week -long all inclusive event provides an environment where
participants work to overcome their perceived limitations of their physical and
psychological disabilities.
ONE OF OUR BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES TO HEAL EVER
This year is scheduled to be one of our biggest Operation Surf events!
Wounded participants from various branches of the U .. S military along
with wounded military from the U.K. sponsored by Help for Heroes will travel to the
Santa Cruz area for a week-long all inclusive event. Together, they will share in the
healing power of the ocean across beaches in Santa Cruz and neighboring
communities!
ABOUT US
OPERATION SURF is a program of AMAZING SURF ADVENTURES (ASA) a
California 501 (c)3 non-profit organization based in Avila Beach.
Recognized by the Department of Defense as a rehabilitative program but receives no Government
funding.
Helping those in need is our passion, surfing is our specialty, and quality is our biggest
value. Our Mission: To help those in need overcome their perceived life's challenges
through surfing, ocean education and fun.
Since 2009, Amazing Surf Adventures ha s helped nearly 500 people.
2015 OPERATION SURF Santa Cruz
SPONSORSHIP PACKET
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There are many sponsorship opportunities for companies who want to reinforce
their image as a socially responsible organization that cares strongly about their
community and the men and women who serve. With over 5.5K Facebook fans,
and a weekly reach of over 35K impressions, our Operation Surf Facebook fan
page has a strong presence on social media and provides us an excellent
opportunity to reach out to our supporters and the broader community.
Sponsors will be featured in ads, announcements, links, and posts leading up to
and following the event. We have enjoyed the enthusiasm generated due to the
success of our past events and we invite you to join us in making Operation
Surf Santa Cruz 2015 an event to remember!
If our sponsor levels don't meet your needs, contact us to discuss
customized packages tailored to you and your company!
Please contact Brent Edwards at [email protected]
Or call (831) 818‐2002
2015 OPERATION SURF SANTA CRUZ
SPONSORSHIP PACKET
OFFICIAL OPERATION SURF TITLE SPONSOR $10, 000 / 1 Available
As the Title Sponsor, you will receive category exclusivity as well as prominent
recognition and extensive benefits through this sponsorship position. Your name will
be linked with the event and you will have far-reaching exposure.
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Exclusive naming rights as the sole presenting sponsor – “Operation Surf Santa
Cruz 2015 presented by [Your Company Name]”
In addition to naming, primary placing of logo on all event posters, print and press
Social media recognition pre and post event
Logo will be featured on a slider from home page and direct URL link to your company
Verbal recognition at all public events
Logo prominently on front and back of all warrior rash guards*
Logo prominently on all event T-shirts
4 person entry to our annual golf tournament at San Luis Obispo Country Club
4 VIP Dinner Tickets
4 Event T-shirts
OPERATION SURF MAJOR SPONSOR $5,000 / 3 Available
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Prominent placing of logo on all event posters, print and press
Verbal recognition at all public events
Social media recognition pre and post event
Logo will be featured on a slider from home page and direct URL link to your company
Logo on all warrior rash guards*
Logo on all event T-shirts
2 person entry to our annual golf tournament at San Luis Obispo Country Club
2 Event T-shirts
*deadline for Operation Surf Santa Cruz rash guard logo printing is March 1st, 2015
2015 OPERATION SURF SANTA CRUZ
SPONSORSHIP PACKET
“Thank you to my new family, Operation Surf, for giving me another reason
to keep moving not just forward, but upward.”
-Michael E.
2013 Operation Surf Participant
SPONSOR A HERO
$3,000 / 25 Available
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Social media recognition pre and post event
Logo will be featured on a slider from home page
and direct URL link to your company
Logo prominenty lon all event T -shirts
2 Event T-shirts
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ALL HEROES DINNER SPONSOR $2,000 / 2
Available
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Social media recognition pre and post event
Logo will be featured on a slider from home page
and direct URL link to your company
Verbal recognition at respective dinner
1 Event T-shirt
HEROES AND VOLUNTEERS LUNCH
SPONSOR
$500 / 4 Available
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Social media recognition pre and post event
Verbal recognition at respective lunch
1 Event T-shirt
Thank you for your time and consideration in becoming a sponsor of
Operation Surf Santa Cruz 2015. Together we have an incredible
opportunity to change and save the lives of our Nation’s wounded heroes.
Sincerely,
President, Amazing Surf Adventures
2015 OPERATION SURF SANTA CRUZ
SPONSORSHIP PACKET
1. SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT:
Sponsor Name:
Mailing Address:
City:
State:
Tel:
Fax:
Contact Name:
Title:
Signature:
Zip:
Email:
Date:
2. REPRESENTATION:
Company Logo: (For sharpest look, please email black/white Vector or HI RES (300 pixels per inch or
greater to [email protected])
Website URL:
Business Card (if applicable, please attach):
3. SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES:
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OFFICIAL OPERATION SURF TITLE SPONSOR $10,000
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OPERATION SURF MAJOR SPONSOR $ 5,000
SPONSOR A HERO $3,000
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ALL HEROES DINNER SPONSOR $2,000
HEROES AND VOLUNTEERS LUNCH SPONSOR $500
4. DONATION METHOD:
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Credit Card:
Card Number:
Visa / Mastercard / AMEX / Discover
Exp Date:
CVV
Name on Card:
Billing Zip Code:
Signature:
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Please Invoice
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Check Enclosed (Please write OSSC 2015 in the memo line)
Please mail completed form and payment to :
Amazing Surf Adventures
P.O. Box 1581
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Or, email payment and forms to: [email protected]
Operation Surf is a Program of Amazing Surf Adventures
a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization (Organization #3174597) public charity
(Tax ID# 26-3661313) All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
(805)
544-SURF
(831)
818‐2002
(831) 818-2002