Pure Stoke

At 22 years old, while serving our country in Vietnam, Michael Ricci was seriously wounded by a homemade grenade. He spent several months in an induced coma, followed by extensive rehabilitation. He returned from service in a state of emotional devastation and with shrapnel permanently embedded throughout his body.

But even in the face of his overwhelming injuries, Ricci refused to be defined by trauma. His passion for sports and adventure led him to an adaptive ski program in Aspen, Colorado, where he eventually learned to ski on one leg.

In Aspen, Michael asked his ski instructor for advice on how he could stay active during the summer months, and the instructor suggested surfing. Ricci had no prior surfing experience, but once he tried it, he was inspired to bring adaptive water sports home to the Jersey Shore. Immediately, Ricci realized that the thrill of the ocean had the power to change lives.

In 2011, Ricci launched Operation Beachhead, a unique 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a single surfboard, a kayak, and a few friends. From this simple beginning, Ricci and his team were united by a mission to provide adaptive, adventurous, and safe recreational sports and social activities for veterans and individuals with disabilities. According to Bruce Boyle, Vice President and Top Waterman of Operation Beachhead, “15 years ago, Michael put an ad in the newspaper for anyone to help take disabled veterans—now anyone with a disability—surfing. My brother Shayne and I answered. Today, we have so many volunteers and such a giant presence that we can take these adaptive athletes out surfing in the water for hours.” Over the past 15 years, this incredible program has grown into a community of hope, healing, humility and plenty of humor.

STORMING THE SURF

The name “Operation Beachhead” is an homage to Ricci’s days in the military; it means establishing a secure ground or, in other words, to control the beach. Participants from a range of conditions or disabilities, including PTDS, MS, autism, or the lingering effects of a serious injury. Through careful instruction and encouragement, staff members help participants learn to catch and ride waves, even those with no prior experience. And the results are often moments of pure bliss.

The therapeutic benefits of surfing are well-documented for both mental and physical health. The rhythmic motion of paddling can function as a moving meditation, calming the nervous system. The physical challenges of the sport release endorphins and dopamine, while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. Direct sunlight exposure is proven to increase serotonin, which is key for stabilizing mood and fighting depression.

The confidence and resilience that come with overcoming a wipeout cannot be overstated. It’s a hard sport to master, but an easy one with which to fall in love. With every new wave, participants reclaim their joy, strength, and independence.

A SWELL OF SUPPORT

Operation Beachhead and its events are 100% volunteer-run and funded entirely through donations. Volunteers include local surfers, friends, and pre-med students, some of whom have no previous surfing experience. They do, however, bring keen medical awareness and compassion. According to volunteer Darian Boyle, “This is a very special organization. The participants may have some disabilities, but once they are in the water, all that falls away. There is nothing like the elation of catching a wave. The water is magical.”

Events typically run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with snacks and lunch provided. Each participant completes a waiver and a brief questionnaire, with the help of an experienced volunteer to ensure safety and personalized support. The environment is flexible, welcoming, and focused entirely on everyone’s comfort level. If surfing isn’t right for a particular individual. Operation Beachhead also offers paddle boarding, boogie boarding and kayaking. “The ocean is bringing all these people together, and everyone is sharing waves, smiling, laughing, and having the best time. It’s so healing”, says Boyle.

Experienced surfers and swimmers serve as catchers, securing participants as they ride waves toward the shore. Others stay further in the water, guiding surfboards and stabilizing riders. Volunteers also assist participants in kayaks or on paddleboards, while land-based volunteers form enthusiastic cheering squads, making sure every participant feels celebrated and safe.

In the winter months, the organization shifts its focus to modified sled hockey, adaptive skiing and ice skating, continuing its mission to bring adventure and connection all year round.

Decades after Vietnam, Ricci continues to battle mobility issues from the shrapnel lodged in his body. However, he is still refusing to sit still and personally attends and photographs every Operation Beachhead event. The images he captures help to inspire new participants and to generate support for the organization’s fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, the Operation Beachhead community has become stronger than ever. Participants travel from across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond. For many local families, the program has become a summer tradition. Each event is a testimony to the power of human resilience and the healing wonders of the ocean. For Bruce Boyle, it all comes back to one person. “We owe it all to Michael Ricci’s dream.”

To learn more about Operation Beachhead or to donate, visit opbeachhead.org and follow them on Facebook.