News - Local - South County

Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008

Disabled vets, locals learn to ride waves

The Association of Amputee Surfers hosts its third weekend where instructors help disabled people learn to surf in Pismo

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The ocean was glassy and the waves rolled gently in at Pismo Beach on Friday morning, creating perfect conditions for 10 would-be surfers.

The participants — in town for a weekend sponsored by the Association of Amputee Surfers—were equal in their enthusiasm, but each faced a dif ferent challenge as they were helped into the surf.

All became disabled in some way — most while at war. Some lost a limb, others were paralyzed or suffered from burns.

With the help of surf instructors and volunteers, each caught wave after wave. Some rode on their bellies, others got up on one knee, while a few stood up and waved to the cheering crowds that had gathered to watch.

Three of the participants were locals.

Elise deGroot, 25, of San Luis Obispo used to surf. But the hobby was taken away from her as a result of her cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy refers to a range of physical disabilities caused by damage to the motor control centers of a developing brain.

It had been three and a half years since deGroot had taken to the waves, and she smiled and chatted happily as volunteers helped her out of her wheelchair at the water’s edge.

Gabriel Cardoso of Texas was paralyzed when his Humvee rolled over while he was serving in Iraq.

With each wave he rode in on his stomach, Cardoso’s smile grew bigger.

This is the third year that wounded veterans and other surfers have hit

the waves in Pismo Beach, but it is the first year that locals have participated. Founders of Amp Surf Dana Cummings and Rodney Roller worked with Texasbased Operation Comfort to organize the weekend.

The surfers will hit the waves again today.

Bringing the veterans out for four days of activities costs about $15,000, which is raised entirely through donations, Cummings said.

“Our focus is to keep it safe and help these guys have a good time,” Cummings said.

Two more veterans will join the surfers this morning on the south side of the pier.

Other weekend activities will include a round of golf at Black Lake Golf Resort, kayaking around the Dinosaur Caves and a luau fundraiser.