BUDE was recently chosen to stage Operation Surf 2018.

Operation Surf UK is a joint initiative, executed by Help for Heroes Sports Recovery and supported by the Endeavour Fund.

It aims to build on the Amazing Surf Adventures adaptive surf programme out in the USA for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans.

Bude Surf Veterans (BSV) is a local volunteer group that assists military veterans with physical or mental health issues through the activity of surfing. BSV host surf meets twice weekly throughout the year, providing veterans with the support of fellow veterans coupled with top rated surfing instruction from local volunteers.

Bude was chosen for the venue to stage Operation Surf 2018 between September 16 and 21. BSV was honoured to provide both surfing and logistic support for this prestigious event.

Operation Surf 2018 concluded with the collective opinion of the sponsors, namely the Endeavour Fund, Help for Heroes and Amazing Surf Adventures helping the event to be an unbridled success.

All beneficiaries, instructors, water safety and support staff alike found participation in such an event an unbelievably rewarding experience, which has produced lifelong friendships and memories. Despite very difficult surfing conditions, the new entrants into the North Cornwall surfing community collectively ‘had a ball’, all progressing under the superb tutelage of their individual surf instructors ably supported by brilliant water safety partners.

The 15 WIS beneficiaries grew in stature as the week progressed patently aware of the support that was there for them from the Operation Surf 2018 family.

One had to be present during this amazing week to truly understand its vibe. Attendees when they meet in the future will nod and without words just remember a very special moment in time.

The Bude community was responsible for the most amazing support and generosity of spirit, which demonstrated why they are lucky to live there. The visitors to Operational Surf 2018 were collectively bowled over by the genuine love and friendship displayed by the local populace to them.

The professional Help for Heroes and Royal Foundation Endeavour Fund friends who witness many events and activities were as one in the success of this event and were genuinely effusive in the input of Bude Surf Veterans.

Garry Howes, from Bude Surf Veterans, said: “We can be justifiably proud of the reputation we have acquired within veteran support groups in the United Kingdom.

“It is with immense pride I can confirm that 2019 Operational Surf will take place in Bude. We can raise the bar yet again, widening the input of BSV volunteers and their respective skills.”