Newquay Surf Veterans (NSV) was founded in 2016 by Andy Card, a former infantry soldier who discovered first-hand how powerful the ocean can be for healing. Working alongside charities like Help for Heroes and Operation Surf (California), Andy and a group of veterans took part in a study on Blue Water Therapy by Dr. Nick Caddick at Loughborough University — proving what they already knew: salt water heals.

 

Living with Complex PTSD, Andy realised that time in the sea — focused on waves, breath, and balance — helped quiet the noise. The ocean brings the adrenaline, the banter, the whoops and shouts, and the kind of exhaustion that finally lets you sleep. But the real magic happens back on the beach — when the office opens. That’s where conversations flow, mates check in on each other, and support continues through Clare, Andy’s wife, who handles welfare and signposting to other organisations.

 

Thanks to community support and funding, NSV has built up a serious quiver — wetsuits, surfboards, bodyboards, bellyboards, an eight-man MegaSUP, rescue board, beach wheelchair, and all the kit to make the sea accessible to everyone.

 

We’ve teamed up with Help for Heroes, hosted family surf days, remembrance events, and supported veterans across Cornwall. With Richard Wooldridge now onboard, we’ve added coasteering to our mix and expanded our mission — sharing the stoke, support, and surf therapy with the wider military community.