Folly Beach-based nonprofit, Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF), which provides Veterans, active duty service members and their families with alternative surf therapy, yoga and wellness coaching, is joining forces with Fight Oar Die, an all-American, all-military Veteran, four-man ocean rowing team that competes in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
The challenge is a 3,000 mile race across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian in Spain to the English Harbour, Antigua, that brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat.
In an effort to leverage their access to mental health services and resources for Warrior Surf Veterans, both organizations have agreed to provide programmatic support and reciprocal referral services to each other to benefit their respective Veterans. In preparation for the Challenge, WSF will introduce their Wellness Director Jordan Watkins to Fight Oar Die's mental health resources. WSF aims to enhance the row team's mental health before their competition, and Fight Oar Die will, in turn, leverage access to mental health services and resources for Warrior Surf Veterans.
“We are thrilled to collaborate and offer our services to another incredible Veteran-led organization,” Watkins said. “We’ve seen significant changes in the Veterans who participate in our program, and are looking forward to helping to prepare the men of Fight Oar Die for their big race later this year.”
Both WSF and Fight Oar Die missions' are in alignment to bring awareness to the challenges Veterans face during reintegration, and facilitate an alternative method for their growth and overall well-being.
“We firmly believe this new partnership will strengthen both of our abilities to enhance the lives of our nation’s Veterans and will provide our ocean rowing team with the tools necessary to successfully and, more importantly, health-consciously finish our race,” said Fight Oar Die Board President Bryan Knight.
To find more information about WSF and their new partner Fight Oar Die, visit https://www.warriorsurf.org/
