Arturo was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, under a strict Catholic household. Growing up, Arturo was active in the Cali-lifestyle; skateboarding, body surfing, and boogie boarding. In 1986, Arturo enlisted in the US Army because he wanted to see the world.
He deployed to Korea and later served with the 519th Military Intelligence Battalion in the Middle East to participate in Operation Desert Shield. Arturo was responsible for the follow-up interrogations of detainees on base that were captured out in the field.
Arturo left the Army in January 2003 after six-and-a-half-years of military service.
While in the Army, Arturo was sexually assaulted, which led to years of trauma and a desperate search for finding a medium for healing. He turned to surfing as his outlet to recovery.
One More Wave provided Arturo the equipment and tools he needs to get back into the water to achieve surf therapy.
The entire experience, even before Arturo enters the water provides relief. He starts with a warm up with Tai Chi to get his body, mind, and spirit into one equilibrium.
“It’s ritualistic in the preparation: putting on the wetsuit, the flippers, walking out to the water in my swim fins, walking backwards through the small shore break.”
The sense of community and camaraderie among fellow surfers and One More Wave has built up his confidence to keep surfing.
Story by Matt Fratus