AmpSurf to Go "Wine, Waves and Beyond"

Posted by Steve Schumann

AmpSurf Guru Dana Cummings was introduced by Miss Sandra Sansoni, our Programs Chair and AmpSurf Board Chair. Dana's a frequent visitor to our club. He shared with us some of the facts abut AmpSurf: started in 2003 to teach surfing for disabled veterans. There are rehabilitative powers through surfing; and his organization has grown because of those powers that come from being able to get on a surfboard and ride the waves.

From its humble beginnings after Dana, a disabled veteran himself, started surfing after losing a leg and feeling the sense of accomplishment and sheer joy that came with that feat, AmpSurf went from up and down the West Coast in 2008 to bicoastal this year, with East Coast events slated for August.

With 600 volunteers and a lot of community involvement, AmpSurf initiated a Wine, Waves, and Beyond event. After last year's success. this year's, with unforgettable events over four days (June 2-5) will be better. The gala opens on Thursday at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo for a Surf Movie Premiere; Friday's shindig is at The Cliffs in Pismo tasting wine, beer and food overlooking the ocean; The Brew Masters Dinner is Saturday, highlighting five chefs preparing five delicious meals; At the pier on Sunday, the event climaxes with a Longboard Surf Contest.

Dana and the community members are all volunteers; one paid office person works 12 hours a week. AmpSurf initially was helping injured military and disabled veterans but has included disabled adults and children as well.

Surfing isn't an Olympic sport, but AmpSurf did get a grant from the USA Olympic committee. Dana showed a brief promo that AmpSurf was able to insert into local theaters later this month. It's what they do– promote, inspire, educate, and rehabilitate. They run on community involvement, donations from individuals, companies and organizations (Rotary; American Legion, etc.), media attention, and fundraising. Their website is a pleasure to look at, easy to navigate, and chock full of info. Google or Bing "ampsurf" and you'll find it!