Commandos surf their way to recovery
Injured Commandos have taken part in a week of surfing as part of their ongoing road to recovery.
Royal Marines from the Commando Logistics Regiment (CLR), based at RMB Chivenor, spent the week overcoming their injuries and learning to surf with the help of instructors from a local surfing charity called Bude Surf Veterans (BSV).
Set up by surf shop owner Paul Strickney, BSV gives military veterans and their families the opportunity to socialise, surf and support one another in an informal and friendly setting, without any judgement or questioning.
This most recent event for HMS Drake's Personnel Support Group (PSG), was the 12th organised this year for medically downgraded service personnel.
Chief Petty Officer Angie Cheal, who arranged the event, secured funding via the NAAFI Covenant Fund.
"The week literally changed my life"
One veteran, Kev Dring, a former naval rating who struggled with his own health issues, said: "In 2018, I started to feel more and more anxious, and it got to the point where I began to stutter, which only made my anxiety worse.
"I was moved to PSG to focus on my recovery, and there I met Angie who asked me if I would like to take part in a water activities week, for those who are medically downgraded.
"To my delight, I found it really helped me relax. From there I was selected to take part in Op Surf, an event which Help for Heroes ran with the Operation Surf Charity from the United States.
"The week literally changed my life, as I fell in love with surfing! When surfing, I found a place where I was at ease and comfortable, and it played a huge part in my recovery."
Five years later, his life is based around Bude and he is a fully qualified surf coach.
He added: "These weeks really mean a lot to me and my colleagues. There is something really special and rewarding about giving back to those who are going through the same thing that you have.”
Last year the regiment developed its own Rehabilitation Troop (Hellberg Troop) to provide support to its injured and downgraded Royal Marines, soldiers and sailors, but, says Lieutenant Colonel Liam Metcalfe, the remedial training "is demanding and can risk falling into a monotonous routine".
Lt Col Metcalfe, Commanding Officer of the Commando Logistics Regiment, who visited the group, said: "The opportunity provided by the PSG alongside Bude Surf Veterans for our downgraded personnel is very welcome and well received.
"Further, it was great to link up with many local North Devon veterans which included former Royal Marines and Army personnel – all 'hoofing' people!
"We're looking at how to continue to support each other and, following the week's training, I'm sure many of Hellberg Troop will continue to surf as a new sport."
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