Coastal Conversations
With a passion for service, healing, and the ocean, Brian Wiener has built something remarkable in Brigantine, a free surf camp where veterans find connection, renewal, and each other. As Memorial Day approaches and we honor those who have served, Brig Vet Surf Camp stands as a reminder that supporting veterans means more than words. It means showing up, year after year, with a surfboard and open arms.
This free two-day camp began several years ago as one veteran’s desire to share what the water had given him, and has grown into a volunteer-driven community powered entirely by people from the island, such as surf instructors, yoga instructors, and everyone in between. The next camp is July 20-21 at the 16th Street beach in Brigantine. To learn more or register, visit them on Facebook or email Brian at brigvetsurfcamp@gmail.com.
Here are some excerpts from our Coastal Conversation:
AS: What first inspired you to create the Brig Vet Surf Camp, and how did the idea become reality?
BW: I was inspired by what being in the water has done for me. I really wanted to share that serenity with my veteran friends. It would be selfish for me not to share this.
AS: How has surfing personally helped you, both mentally and emotionally, as a veteran?
BW: Surfing has helped me in the sense that I now have an outlet for what may be going on within me or my thoughts.
AS: What makes the ocean such a powerful place for healing and connection?
BW: The ocean’s healing abilities, whether they may be physical or mental, is an all-natural tool provided for us to harness. It certainly beats the typical prescribed manufactured medications.
AS: Can you share a memorable story about a veteran whose life was impacted by the surf camp?
BW: An older veteran was on the beach watching. He was not a participant and had a fear of the water due to his Parkinson’s. His granddaughter came over, asked what we were doing. She brought her grandfather, who was a Vietnam War veteran, to speak with me at the water’s edge. We talked for a while. Finally, I convinced him to try it with the support of other veterans. Well… he did and he fell in love. He had lost his fear, his shaking subsided considerably, and he spent the day with us. It doesn’t matter what era of war, we all stand with each other to the end.
AS: What’s the atmosphere like during camp days in Brigantine, both on the beach and in the water?
BW: The atmosphere during the day is, without question, camaraderie. It is all about sharing stories, crossing generational boundaries of wars, helping one another cope with disabilities, and making new friends.
AS: What role do local volunteers, surf instructors, and the community play in making the camp successful?
BW: A group from South Carolina called Warrior Surf helped us get going. Year after year we’ve grown. The word is out and now we are all volunteers from the island, from surf instructors to yoga instructors.
AS: What have been some of the biggest challenges, and greatest rewards, of running the program?
BW: The rewards are the smiles and friendships. Plus, good information from VA representatives. It’s so gratifying to see a veteran who struggles with PTSD simply forget about it, if only for a few hours. Not many challenges other than mother nature.
AS: Looking ahead, what dreams or goals do you have for the future of Brig Vet Surf Camp?
BW: Future-wise, I’d love to see our group expand to other beaches to share this with veterans who are unaware of it. I was past State Commander for the NJ Veterans of Foreign Wars, so I met a lot of people. However, I’d love to see this go beyond state lines to follow the waves and bring along some vets! We’ve got a trailer and we are happy to travel!
A big thanks to Brian Wiener for sharing his story and his tireless dedication to this community. This Memorial Day, his work is a powerful reminder that honoring veterans doesn’t end with a ceremony, it continues every time someone shows up, reaches out a hand, and says “let’s catch a wave.”
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
