EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM


​​​Scroll down for lots of info, photos and more!

Waves of Empowerment

​Each veteran is paired one-on-one with
a child who has special needs for a
day of canine-assisted activities.
More info

StandUP with a warrior

StandUP with a Warrior empowers active duty service members and veterans who are transitioning back into civilian life. 
More info

Buddy-up mentors

Buddy-up Mentors are matched one-on-one with new participants for a day of surfing and/or land based activities.
More info

Give kids a voice

​Many kids in today’s complicated world often feel they don’t have a voice in the things that happen in their life. 
More info

Wave Warriors

Wave Warriors help in the water, carry boards, provide water transfer, ensure safety, share the stoke and more. 
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Operation socialization

​Service members and veterans with
PTSD go into the community as a
​group to socialize the puppies.
More info

Canine-assisted programs

Our canine-assisted programs
include surfing, swimming, paddling,
​playing and therapy.
More info

Waves of Empowerment flyer

All the info you need to learn about our
Waves of Empowerment program. The flyer
can be printed & shared.
More info

Empower each other!

Waves of Empowerment is a unique initiative that empowers those who have separated from the military, or are in the process of transitioning out of combat situations and back into civilian life. ​

​Each veteran becomes a mentor, and is paired one-on-one with a child who has special needs for a day of paws-on healing through canine-assisted adaptive surfing, paddling, swimming, playing and therapy. 

​We find that being of-​service to another individual affords a sense of responsibility and self-worth. The goal is to connect diverse populations through the challenges they face, bringing them together for their greater good… and the greater good of the community. 

​We are the only organization that offers such a unique, specialized and effective program.
Although not every participant or volunteer fought in war, they have all fought health battles. Please join us as we take our first step in celebrating all warriors, regardless of their battle. 

The mission of our Waves of Empowerment program is to enrich the lives and well-being of our wounded military heroes, people with disabilities, kids with special needs and their families by taking them from the battleground to the playground. Our unique recreational activities expose participants to the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of dogs through canine-assisted surfing, stand up paddling, swimming, playing and therapy. We strive to connect people through the challenges they face, and provide a platform where the positive impact of giving back to the community helps participants in their own healing process.  
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Ricochet always offers an abundance of love and paws-on healing during these surf sessions. She knows what each individiual needs and provides it. Personal tragedies are turned to triumphs through the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of a dog. ​


If you are an active duty service member or veteran that would like to volunteer to help Ricochet surf with kids who have special needs, or if you'd like to become a volunteer, or if you have a disability, PTSD or a child with special needs that would like to surf with Ricochet, please send an email to [email protected]. ​​​​
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I thought your plan of assigning military to support individual kids was hugely successful. There were so many layers of success to the event. The differences in our Canine Inspired Community Re-integration graduates from that first orientation to this event was something difficult to describe..WOW! ~Carol, 

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There are many other volunteer opportunities for those who prefer to stay dry like military service member Monica. She first met Ricochet through the Cainine Inspired Community Re-Integration program.

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I love being with Ricochet because she inspires me to always be helpful. I love being out there in the water and helping people. It's pretty much my favorite thing to do. Lauren (Ian's sister)

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Yesterday was amazing! Surfing with Ricochet really allows you to feel free and forget about your disability. For me getting to surf with Ricochet for the first time was a whole other level of freedom that I've never experienced before when surfing with people on the back of the board. Yesterday was definitely empowering and that bond that Ricochet creates with you on the board is just incredible, we are able to trust one another and I know that she has my back to balance the board and keep me safe while allowing me to go much faster on waves because she does not weigh as much as a person. ~Alesha

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​Janina, a military veteran originally met Ricochet through a
Canine Inspired Community Re-Integration program through 
​Paws’itive Teams. She was matched with Alesha who has cerebral palsy. This responsibility fosters trust and gives them both a sense of connection ​to each other and the team. ​
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Alesha has cerebral palsy. This was the first time she’s surfed
without another human on board. She became so empowered,
she rode a couple waves on her own!! 
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The Waves of Empowerment Day was spectacular!! The joy and self-confidence Ian gained with surfing with Ricochet was doubled as he could help the next wave of surfers!! There is such tremendous healing that comes with giving back!! In the past seven years - the outpouring of love ​for our family has been extraordinary and has helped us fly. Having the opportunity to give back is indeed empowering and so healing for my three kids and me. Thank you for making this happen, Ricochet and Judy!!! We are so thankful for you!! Melissa ​​

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What this photo captured is EXACTLY what Waves of Empowerment is all about. INTERACTION. It's West interacting with a military service member with PTSD. It was her first time at one of our surf sessions. West has autism and has become very sociable!

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What a great event Waves of Empowerment is! To see so many Canine Inspired Community Re-Integration participants out watching, helping others out and bringing their families out to be a part of this great community, is so rewarding. For our warriors to be able to give back and help someone else is more healing than you could know. Thank you for your vision in connecting people and animals together. Powerful! ~Kim, Recreation Therapist​

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