April 23–25, 2026 | Jack’s Surf Break | Santa Cruz, CA
From April 23–25, the High Fives Foundation returned to the California coast for the 2026 Santa Cruz Surf Camp, three days of progression, connection, and powerful first-time moments in the water.
Hosted at Jack’s Surf Break in Santa Cruz, the camp welcomed 14 #HighFivesAthletes for a weekend centered around adaptive surfing. The first two days (April 23–24) were dedicated to veterans, followed by an open clinic on April 25 that expanded the experience to the broader adaptive community.
Veterans Take the Leap
For many athletes, especially those new to the ocean, the experience came with real nerves and real growth.
Family members shared that the moment felt intimidating at first. There was hesitation stepping into something so unfamiliar, especially the unpredictability of the ocean. But with guidance, patience, and trust in the team, that hesitation quickly turned into something much bigger.
With the steady support of instructors like Bruce and Rob, athletes were safely guided into the surf, building confidence wave by wave. What started as uncertainty transformed into freedom, then into pure joy.
It wasn’t just about surfing. it was about letting go, trusting the process, and discovering what’s possible.
A Team Effort in the Water
A huge shoutout goes to Bruce and Rob, whose calm presence and expertise made all the difference for athletes navigating the lineup for the first time. Their ability to create a safe, encouraging environment allowed participants to fully embrace the experience.
The camp also featured an impactful collaboration with One More Wave, continuing a shared mission of getting veterans into the water and onto waves. Together, the partnership brought even more support, equipment, and stoke to the beach.
First Waves, Lasting Impact
One of the most powerful parts of the weekend was introducing athletes—especially veterans—to surfing for the very first time. Watching someone go from unsure on the sand to confidently riding a wave is what High Fives is all about.
That transformation, from hesitation to independence, from nerves to excitement, is the heartbeat of these camps.
High Fives in the Community
The impact of the camp didn’t go unnoticed. High Fives Foundation was featured in the local Santa Cruz paper, highlighting the importance of adaptive sports and the growing reach of the organization’s programs.
