Intel

Catching Waves on Camp Pendleton: Surfing Culture Provides Community of Strength

July 9, 2020Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
U.S. Marine carries a surfboard after surfing during the annual Commanding General’s (CG’s) Cup Surfing Competition, at the Del Mar Beach Resort on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 19, 2019. The CG’s Cup is a series of competitive sporting events, which promotes combat readiness, resiliency, esprit de corps, leadership, teamwork and loyalty for active-duty Marines and Sailors through participation in sports.  (Photo by Ismael Pena)

U.S. Marine carries a surfboard after surfing during the annual Commanding General’s (CG’s) Cup Surfing Competition, at the Del Mar Beach Resort on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 19, 2019. The CG’s Cup is a series of competitive sporting events, which promotes combat readiness, resiliency, esprit de corps, leadership, teamwork and loyalty for active-duty Marines and Sailors through participation in sports. (Photo by Ismael Pena)

It is common knowledge that nearly all Marine Corps duty stations are next to the ocean, and that surfing comes with the territory. With surfing comes a community strengthened by a shared desire to be mentally, emotionally, and physically strong, creating a basis for life-long friendships.


Surfing truly is a more than just a sport; it is a community made up of people from all walks of life, whose similar interests unite them and allow them to support one another through the tribulations of life. On base, this community is a subset of the Marine Corps community at large.


Physical fitness, looking out for fellow Marines, and mental fortitude are just a few of the many pieces that make up the community of the Corps. These pieces are only amplified by the men and women that come together every week to escape into the ocean and surf.


In the surf at sunset. Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash.

“Surfing can be an inherently selfish sport,” said Darren Klassen, co-founder of Torrey Pines Surf Ministry. “But once I realized the value of community rather than going out to do something for myself, I started to use surfing as a tool to develop relationships, introduce people to others, and develop my own sense of community.”


Finding community was only the first step for Klassen. He now works with more than four surf therapy organizations closely tied to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s military population.


One of these organizations is Operation Amped, which has held a surf competition every year on the installation for 13 years. These surf competitions have helped thousands of service members and veterans in their recovery. Year round, Klassen spends his time working on events like this and finding other ways to use surf therapy to assist in the recovery of wounded, ill, and injured active duty military members and veterans.


Darren Klassen, co-founder of Torrey Pines Surf Ministry, prepares for a day of surfing on San Onofre Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 24, 2020. Klassen now works with more than four surf therapy organizations, with close ties to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s military population. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts)

Klassen stated that, even with the current struggles of COVID-19, he is still active. Once a week on Del Mar Beach, he and a close team of volunteer surf instructors meet with a small group of veterans or service members to catch up with one another—while keeping their social distance—and enjoy the ocean.


“Some of the best waves in San Diego on are on Del-Mar beach; but it is a better spot for more experienced surfers,” said Klassen. “The waves at San Onofre are easier to ride and is a great place to learn how to surf.”


Marines are amphibious by nature. Therefore, it is easy to leverage surfing as a means to improve Marines’ physical fitness and knowledge of the ocean, both of which are foundational to mission success. What is not so obvious is the physiological benefits associated with the sport.


U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Andrew Fremming, judge advocate, Staff Judge Advocate, 1st Marine Division, rides a wave during the annual Commanding General’s (CG’s) Cup Surfing Competition, at the Del Mar Beach Resort on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 19, 2019. The CG’s Cup is a series of competitive sporting events, which promotes combat readiness, resiliency, esprit de corps, leadership, teamwork and loyalty for active-duty Marines and Sailors through participation in sports. (Photo by Ismael Pena)

“You don’t need to be extremely physically fit to surf,” stated Klassen. “I know a lot of people who use surfing as their therapy and as way to start their day in a way that heals your body and your mind.”


Surfing is used as a therapeutic way to recover from trauma or significant life events. It is also a way to simply wash away day-to-day stressors throughout the Marine Corps. Through the tranquility of the waves and the support of the community, Marines engaged in surfing can find peace.


The culture of surfing found throughout the Marine Corps is well represented on Camp Pendleton. For those going through seemingly insurmountable adversity, surfing offers vital assistance. For those beginning their journeys toward recovery, their first step might just be onto a surfboard.


This story was originally published July 7, 2020, by Marines.mil.



Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Coffee or Die is Black Rifle Coffee Company’s online lifestyle magazine. Launched in June 2018, the magazine covers a variety of topics that generally focus on the people, places, or things that are interesting, entertaining, or informative to America’s coffee drinkers — often going to dangerous or austere locations to report those stories.
More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Bazooka
How the Bazooka Gained Infamy as a Tank-Buster

Named after a musical instrument, the Bazooka proved to be a highly effective weapon for American troops, including one maverick pilot, throughout multiple wars.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall (center) delivers testimony during a House Appropriations Committee hearing in the Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.
Home to Glenn, Armstrong, Wrights Perfect Spot for Space Command HQ, Ohio Lawmakers Say

Ohio lawmakers pitch their state as the new location for Space Command headquarters.

soflete
Soflete: How This Veteran-Led Company is Changing Military Fitness Culture

In 2014, Soflete’s co-founders saw workout overkill hurting their peers as they prepared for selecti...

glock 19
Glock 19: Origin Story of a Legendary Pistol

Get to know the Glock 19 — how it works, who uses it, and why it’s one of the most popular handguns in the US.

afghan soldier asylum
Afghan Soldier Who Helped US Weathers Injuries, Uncertainty in Asylum Bid

Afghan soldier who assisted the U.S. now faces uncertainty in bid for asylum.

The Dirty Dozen
‘The Dirty Dozen’: Meet D-Day’s Real Rogue Commandos

The Dirty Dozen was based on a real team of rule-breaking elite paratroopers who jumped into France ahead of D-Day.

d-day 79th anniversary
Normandy Marks D-Day's 79th Anniversary, Honors World War II Veterans

This year's D-Day tribute to the young soldiers who died in Normandy is not only a chance to honor t...

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Request a Correction
  • Write for Us
  • General Inquiries
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved