HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Although the weather isn’t ideal for surfing right now, a new nonprofit hopes to use surf therapy to help veterans and first responders.

Third rising rib plans to combine traditional “talk” therapy with therapeutic activities in water.

The nonprofit was founded by Shelley Ritter, whose grandfather was a veteran. It was through shared experiences that she was able to start the organization.

“Looking back now, I can see some of the symptoms he had in Vietnam with PTSD and depression. I couldn’t really make the connection until I went to therapy for the symptoms of PTSD and I realize a similar thing was happening,” Ritter said. “A lot of people find therapy through yoga or art, and surf therapy really struck me. Every time I got out on the water, I noticed that the symptoms I was feeling started to lessen.

Ritter and surf coordinator Nico Cernigilia say they want to help veterans connect to the lake.

Cernigilia’s grandfather served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

There are many military men and women still suffering from the trauma they suffered during the war, and the nonprofit wants to show them the physical, mental, and emotional benefits the lake has to offer.

“The hardest part is getting passed off by using it as a prescription to go in the water and feel better, but getting in there by spreading not on the water but all your life. “, said Ritter.

This surf therapy program will last eight weeks and will be launched in May.

Yoga and other calming activities will begin each session, followed by group therapy with a trained counselor, followed by a majority of time spent surfing or paddleboarding on the beach.

“We think it’s really worth trying to offer this program. It has spread… this surf therapy movement. People have found such relief and healing and we are thrilled to have it in West Michigan,” Ritter said.

The association still needs help to put this program in place. They have almost reached their goal of $20,000 to make this a year-round program.

In the winter, they hope to have more seasonal activities like hiking or cross-country skiing.

The nonprofit is looking for donations, surf instructors, lifeguards, and veterans or first responders willing to try this type of therapy.

“I want participants to know that learning to surf doesn’t usually happen overnight, but the process is so much fun and rewarding. We aim to create a community that gives back to those who have served us,” Cernigilia said.

If you would like to be part of the program, you can email [email protected] You can also check out their Facebook and instagram pages.