They Will Surf Again Testimonials

Hi, I came to help because one of my surf buddies offered to help. I didn't know what to expect, except for colder water, and smaller waves then in the South Bay that morning. I was a little bummed out, to be honest with you.

My attitude immediately changed while helping the 1st guy on the paddle board/kayak through the waves. For the next three hours, it only got better. Everyone involved from the participants to the volunteers were a joy to be around. I have never had so much fun being of service to others. One guy I was getting through the surf looked at me and said, "If I could just catch one more wave like I used to do." It really made me appreciate that health that I have. It also made me realize that nobody is guaranteed another wave; that I should really enjoy everyone I catch.

Thank you for one of the greatest, most rewarding days of my life! You run a first class organization, that is sure to grow. I look forward to being a part of future events. You should be very proud of your efforts. You can see the results in all of the smiling faces. Keep up the good work.

- John Sakacs

What a fantastic day. Good surf, good weather, but more importantly GOOD PEOPLE. Had a great experience and enjoyed talking to the surfers, who all seemed to have a really fun day. Sign me up for the next TWSA outing.

- Darin Miller

The event was amazing!  It was so much fun and so rewarding to help everyone get out in the waves, many of them for the first time.  Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful event.  I am looking forward to the next one!

- Samantha Wood

I was nervous at first when I got into the cool salty water. I had four volunteers to help me onto the board and then we started out further into the water, as the waves pounded my face, I started to panic. I could taste the salt on my lips, and feel the salt burn my eyes. Once we were out far enough the volunteers turned me around on the board, and once a big enough wave had come, all I heard was "OK here we go, Jenn!" and I felt the water rush me forward. I felt out of control, and the wave over came me and the board, then up and over I went! I hit the water and felt a hand instantly on my arm and around my waist. As quickly as it had happened, I was quickly snatched back up out of the water! I didn't have time to panic! I was back on the board in no time! Once again ready, the next big wave came along and again I was push off and went a few feet and wiped out again! This time the board rolled over the top of me and I had remembered Brendon saying to me "Just let your body float up to the surface." I once again felt a hand reach out and grab me. Laughing with a nose full of water I was ready for an other go at it! The third time's a charm I rode the wave all the way into the beach! It was the most incredible feeling, the sense of accomplishment. I had done it! Laughing and smiling I was ready for an other wave! After a few high five's, the volunteers turned me around and we headed out again! I I told the volunteers I wanted a longer ride! So we went out a little further and the wave came up and I was pushed off, It was fantastic! I thought to my self "You can do, this if you put your arms strait out board, Drop one shoulder, and look to right, will it turn the board?" I did just that and low and behold IT WORKED! The board turned with my body, and I had cut into the wave! I turned my head the other direction and dropped my left shoulder and the board once again cut back to the left. I knew right then I was never going to be the same! I am so excited I can't wait to ride my next wave!
 
Thank you so much, Brendon, Richard, and the volunteers from TWSA your all outstanding! I had a wonderful time, and will be back!
 
- Jennifer Mac Monagle (Ms. Wheelchair California 2003)

This is Adrienne, Carl's wife.  We had the best time at the event; he will be talking about it for quite a while!  Thank you so much for having the event for us and for sending the pictures.  Unfortunately, the pictures did not come through properly because we are unable to view them so if you have time, we would love it if you would resend. By the way, this event has inspired me to take proper swimming lessons (I am self taught) and to take lifeguard training so that maybe I can volunteer for another event like this and so that I can get Carl in the water without losing him and I thank you for that. We hope to see you again!

How about Saturday!!!! That had to be the most amazing day Ive had in years, hands down!  Let me tell you, I've got sooo many of my distant family and friends who have heard about it calling me and really thanking me for turning Jason onto this whole deal, 'cause its been six years since his accident and I have to say, since then he has slowley given up, you ca just see it in his eyes, and this has really re-inspired him. So I just want to take all the thank you's that I have received and give them to you and God.  You really put together somthing special that I cant describe with words. I think at this point I plan to keep on encouraging and motivating my cousin Jason to push on and keep going for something that he knows deep down inside he can do now.  In fact I just got off the phone with his mom and she said that he is really wanting to be exercizing more and he wants more therapy, so he can be stronger to this kind of thing.  I've had a few ideas myself for a board that I'd like to design for him with some sort of stilts to hold up his upper body to keep his face out of the water, and so he can see.  I really have a big heart for people who can't do the things that we can, and it's very special to them when we do things like this to help them be inspired. I appreciate everything you did to put the event together, it was a true success and we will never forget it.  We look forward to the future of all this.  Thanks a ton!

-Your friend, Philip

Hey man, just got home, awesome awesome stuff bro.  Me and my friends were stoked and I was blown away by everyone's generosity and commitment to making my day, shoot, some of those guys' day since like forever! Now that is what the power of the ocean can do. Thanks so much for your help. I'm loving the Salt Life again.

- Christopher (Disabled Surfer)

This Sat was incredible! The air was filled with the tranquility of laughter and hope while the waves revealed each participants strength and courage; a feeling I won't forget. Thank you for getting this started!! I'm originally from West Palm Beach, FL and would LOVE to see this catch on down there! I'm always ready to help, thank you again.

- Brinley

I have to say it was truly an honor to participate in this event. To see the happiness and stoke on the participants' faces and knowing that I had played a part in it was incredible and tremendously rewarding. Thank you for allowing me to contribute to such a wonderful event. Best regards,

- Bud

This was the BEST event I have ever experienced. The look on the guys faces when they were in the water was priceless. It was the best surf session and I never had a foot on a board. Looking forward to the next event.

- Mike

Thanks for having your event "They Will Surf Again," this was a great thing to witness and more importantly be a part of! I have been surfing since I was about 15 or so, never has surfing been so important to me until this past Saturday in Wrightsville Beach. Seeing the smiles and hearing the hoots from the guys surfing as well as the volunteers including myself was awesome! This was a life changing experience for me and I am sure everyone there. Thanks again for having the event and I am looking forward to the next one,  I will be there!!!! >Sincerely,

-Dave

It was an honor to be involved with the event.  To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect but knew that I wanted to be involved. It was great to get to know the athletes and their stories.  The stoke in the eyes and voices of the participants was awesome! It was also great the way the community came together. I think each
volunteer learned that their is a lot of adversity in this world and that we each have a choice as to how to approach it.  I  feel honored to have been able to participate in this event. I would to love to be involved with future Life Roll On events on the East Coast.  If I can give you a hand in any way then just let me know.  I can't
promise that we will be as successful raising media awareness - this week was phenomenal but we can give it a shot. Take Care,

- Adam

I would have to say that this was one of the most memorable surf sessions I have ever had in my life-- even though my own board never left the beach. The "They Will Surf Again" event was truly remarkable in the easy way participants and volunteers quickly united, forming close bonds. In fact, as life stories and good waves were shared, many new friendships emerged.  In particular, one thing that stands out in my mind was the commonality of the thrill and excitement of a great morning spent surfing; faces of participants and volunteers alike were jubilant whenever a good wave was caught.  In fact, as the participants caught their first waves, I found myself mentally re-living the joy and excitement of having caught my own first wave some fifteen years ago.  I hope to help take part in the growth and expansion of this event in our area, so that others with spinal cord injuries will have the opportunity to take part in our sport and see what happiness and hope that next wave might bring.

- Jeff

Thanks for the positive feedback.  It was a pleasure to work with you on such an event.  Your part on organizing the Life Rolls On event made my job and I'm sure Dave's much easier.  In fact, I've used your site plan from the permit application as an example to many special event permit applicants. Dave stopped by the Surf Sun Sand event where I was working the day of Life Rolls On and reported to me its success and just what an awesome event it was.  I'm sure it was very emotional too.  My sister had cerebral palsy and loved the beach (she died a year ago last March), so I'm familiar with the desire of those who are physically challenged to participate in activities that we so often take for granted.  Life Rolls On created a wonderful atmosphere for surfers to return to the water.  I'm sorry that I was unable to come out for the event. I look forward to working with you again for the next Life Rolls On event.

- Katie Ryan (Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation)