394 – Stephanie Dasher – Warrior Surf Foundation

Stephanie Dasher, a Navy veteran involved with the Warrior Surf Foundation shared a different kind of Veteran transition story. Stephanie’s story highlights the remarkable transition from the demanding world of military life to the therapeutic embrace of the ocean waves. Stephanie entered the Navy straight out of high school, aiming to become a pilot. Instead, she found herself in the challenging realm of nuclear power on aircraft carriers. Her exit from the Navy coincided with a pivotal family phase—her husband's return from deployment and their first child on the way. It was during this transition that Stephanie discovered surf therapy through the Warrior Surf Foundation, a nonprofit based in South Carolina dedicated to veteran welfare. Initially skeptical, Stephanie and her husband quickly saw the benefits as surfing began transforming their lives. The foundation not only introduced them to surf therapy but also integrated them into a vibrant local surfing community. This involvement shifted Stephanie's role from participant to leader, where she applied her skills to improve the foundation's operations. Surf therapy at the foundation is paired with wellness coaching to promote mindfulness and connection to nature, aiding veterans and their families in healing and growth. The organization places a high priority on safety, employing experienced instructors and even providing shark deterrents to ensure peace of mind. Today, the foundation is a sustainable community that fosters belonging and gives veterans a platform to continue serving by mentoring new participants. They are expanding to include more programs for spouses and children and are even exploring ways to help others establish similar nonprofits. For those inspired by the transformative power of surf therapy or interested in supporting the Warrior Surf Foundation, the organization welcomes volunteers and financial contributions. Whether you’re in South Carolina or elsewhere, exploring the impact of surf therapy could be a profoundly rewarding journey. Go to https://www.warriorsurf.org/ to learn more. Thank you, Stephanie, for talking with us!