As Americans celebrate Independence Day, the flags and fireworks remind us of those who fought for the states' independence, and of those whose patriotism drives them to military service.
U.S. military veteran Dave Deep has made a life of honoring his fellow veterans with a unique organization called Wake for Warriors, a water sports therapy program for injured veterans.
Wake for Warriors partners with MarineMax at Lake of the Ozarks for an annual wakesurfing event, the Midwest Coast WakeSurf Open. The amateur wakesurf competition is open to all, and has a special category for men and women with physical disabilities. As Wake for Warriors gives wounded veterans the chance to come and surf for the day, they also have the opportunity to compete in the Midwest Coast WakeSurf Open event.
It all happens this year on July 20, in Ha Ha Tonka Cove.
Deep started Wake for Warriors in 2012, when he found solace in water sports after returning home from several tours in Afghanistan.
“When I came back I found that the best way for me to relax and enjoy life was to get behind the boat and hit the water," Deep said. "It had kind of a calming effect and I wanted to share that with other veterans.”
Deep wanted to share the healing he found on the water with other veterans and Wake for Warriors was born.
After a decade, the group is still going strong with dozens of events with hundreds of participants across the country. Veterans come from all parts of the country to get on the water and learn to wakesurf and wakeboard, often for the first time.
“Most of them have never done any water activity, especially post injury so a lot of them are apprehensive, you can see it on their faces that they’re not quite sure they can do it," Deep said. "But by day four they’re all high-fiving and hugging each other, exchanging phone numbers and keeping in touch. It’s more than just watersports."
It’s also a chance for veterans to meet with other veterans, people who may be the only ones who know what they’ve gone through. And after four days on the water, the groups forge a tight bond.
“An example of that is that I’m going to two weddings this weekend for participants. It turns into a big Wake for Warriors family,” Deep said. “It [starting Wake for Warriors] is probably one of the best things I’ve ever done in my entire life."
One of the wedding invitations Deep received is from Christie, an Air Force pilot who lost her leg after being run over by a boat.
“Instead of saying “okay, well, I’m broken,” She fought back and passed all her physical fitness tests and went through all the training program and went back to flying C-130s and is an instructor at the Air Force academy, and she’s getting married. It’s great to hang out with people like that and that’s the kind of person you meet at Wake for Warriors,” Deep said.
After learning about the cause, the MarineMax Lake Ozark crew stepped up to bring Wake for Warriors to Lake of the Ozarks.
“It was probably one of the model events. The folks at MarineMax are amazing. It’s the first event we’ve worked with them and they went all out and did an amazing job," Deep said. "We had a great receptive community and a lot of donated items and money to help support our cause. Everyone at Lake of the Ozarks was awesome.”
The event brings warriors from across the country as well as watersports enthusiasts for amateur tournament wakesurfing, in all age classes and skill levels, and spectators coving out at Ha Ha Tonka Cove.
The event historically has drawn enough donations to cover all expenses for the warriors (including food, lodging, gear and travel) AND raised tens of thousands of dollars for Wake for Warriors.
“The best part is getting to meet such awesome people and getting to share their stories and being part of their lives not just on the water but off the water," Deep said. "Knowing that you’ve impacted their lives is life changing for them and me as well."
It's never too early to make a deep impact. Anyone interested in participating or competing in the 2024 Wakesurf Event, or donating to the cause, should call MarineMax-Lake Ozark at 573-365-5382.
PHOTOS: Wake For Warriors Surfs Ha Ha Tonka Cove With MarineMax
Wakesurfing and wipeouts came to the Lake of the Ozarks at Midwest Coast Wakesurf Open for Wake for Warriors sponsored by MarineMax! Check out the photos below!
Photos by Lake Shots Photography -- photos copyright protected -- feel free to share our watermarked low-res images, but to purchase high-res images, email us at lakeexpo@yahoo.com
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