Friday, August 25, 2006

WRAP goes to the beach


By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Marine Sgt. Michael Owen rides a wave at Pismo Beach, Calif. He will be coming to Sun Valley for a winter cross-country ski development camp this year. Courtesy photo.

A Ketchum-based organization last week participated in the first-ever surf camp for disabled U.S. military personnel.

Riding a wave of success, the Amputee Surfers Alliance of Pismo Beach, Calif., partnered with the Wood River Ability Program, of Ketchum, and Operation Comfort, of San Antonio, Texas. The latter two organizations provide outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for recently wounded American military personnel.

Twelve wounded soldiers, Marines, and a Navy corpsman spent the week in Pismo Beach learning to surf, kayak and canoe.

"Pismo Beach is becoming known as the amputee surfing capital of the world," Wood River Ability Program President Marc Mast said.

The vets are recovering from their injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. They include both single- and double-leg amputees along with several who are single-arm amputees.

The surf camp was organized by surf champion and amputee Rodney Roller and initiated by wounded vet Navy Corpsman Derek McGinnis. The lessons were donated by professional surfers who teach for Australian company Billabong's surf camps.

The goal of the camp was to help revitalize and rejuvenate the lives of the wounded.

"Sports and recreation provide a vehicle for people with disabilities to enhance their lives and regain a positive self-image," Mast said.

National Geographic covered the camp for a story that follows American military personnel from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to their return home, and the personal battles they must endure and overcome upon their return.

In July, the Wood River Ability Program hosted nine wounded vets for a week in Sun Valley, complete with a trip to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and this winter will host a ski development camp.




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