2019 San Clemente Surf Camp athlete highlight Derrick Ross
Combat Engineer in the United States Army, Derrick Ross from Dallas, TX has participated in the last two Military to the Mountain Programs, but this past week Derrick hung up his snowboard for a surf board as a participant in the High Fives San Clemente Surf Camp. A bit apprehensive at first, upon meeting the rest of the campers, Derrick was eager to hop in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean with everyone to hone his skills on a surfboard.
Derrick had an all time day on day one at Doheny State Park.
Tthe waves were perfect size. I got a few really good rights, and I was able to shuffle-step up to the nose of the board!Derrick said with an ear to ear smile
Derrick has previously participated in the 9-week training program at Dallas TX’s Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF – partner of the High Fives Foundation), and made many life-long friendships. Three of those friends are participating in the camp – Trevor Kennison, Tommy Counihan and Tyler Turner.
I love every opportunity that I get to spend time with Derrick, especially outside of the gym. I’ve surfed with Derrick a couple times now and he’s made so much progress!said Trevor
Day one saw Derrick catching multiple waves and reuniting with great friends, but the day was certainly capped off nicely when his girlfriend Vanessa and her daughter Izzy met up with the crew at day’s end.
Derrick is excited to get the two in the water and teach them the joys of surfing.
I’m ecstatic to surf with Vanessa and Izzy, I think they’ll both do great. In fact I’ve had Izzy on the one wheel and she does amazing, and that should transfer to surfing.boasted Derrick
