More than 100 disabled veterans are coming to San Diego this week to surf, sail, bike and kayak at the annual VA Summer Sports Clinic.
Veterans come from all over the United States, and the VA invites veterans to benefit from sports as part of their rehabilitation plans.
Veterans Affairs Undersecretary for Health Affairs Sherif Elnahar said veterans have benefited greatly from the clinic.
“Veterans tell me that participating in these events creates lasting bonds with other veterans that inspire them to continue in the sport into the future,” Elnahal said. “(This) not only has a positive impact on their physical health, but also their mental health and sense of belonging with their fellow veterans.”
The sports clinic began Monday morning with adaptive surfing at La Jolla Shores Beach. The veterans were split into teams and assigned coaches. After a short safety briefing, they jumped into the ocean.
Adaptive surfing is a little different depending on each individual’s ability.
This is the second year that Navy veteran Miguel Navarro, who lives in Miami, Florida, has attended the clinic. Navarro, who uses a wheelchair, says surfing is his favorite sport. Last year, he could only surf face-down, but this year, he can sit upright.
He said feeling the wind and the spray of water on his face made all the difference.
“Now I know exactly where I’m going, I can feel the acceleration, and it feels so good,” he said. “It’s like I’m on a bike again.”
Navarro said going into the water when you’re at the limit of your physical fitness can be nerve-wracking, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
“If you’re not a little nervous at the beginning, there’s probably something wrong,” he said. “It makes you feel like you can still do a lot more. It gives you your confidence back.”
The VA said 120 veterans will participate in this year’s clinic.