The Association of Veteran Surfers (AVS) was borne through the initiatives of two Australian Army Afghanistan Veterans in 2016 with the vision of connecting the Veteran Community through Surfing and Mateship and the benefits of Ocean Therapy. AVS is now a fully affiliated Boardriders Club meeting all requirements of Surfing Australia’s criteria. Since its inception, AVS has grown to over 1300 active members located across South East Queensland, Sydney and the Central Coast of NSW. Of its 71 financial members in Queensland, and 25 members in Sydney, AVS maintains a diverse set of members representing an equally diverse set of surfing abilities. Furthermore, AVS reaches over 2000 current and serving Veterans a month through use of social media platforms.
A key component to the success of AVS is the support and backing by RSL Queensland where the acquisition of key assets was able to facilitate AVS’ ability to deliver on its primary goal of creating a positive change in the lives of veterans and their families. AVS has continually been able to deliver on this goal through monthly surfing events, surfing lessons, surfing competitions by the formation and growth of an environment where mateship, respect, well-being and connectedness are continually fostered and supported as the basis for the ongoing benefit of both the mental and physical health of our members.