Wounded veterans ride surfing lessons in Huntington Beach on path to healing

Jordan Sisco, who was a sergeant in the Army from 2008 to 2014 and was wounded in Afghanistan, participates in Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

More than two dozen wounded veterans and active-duty personnel pose with their surf instructors as they arrive in Huntington Beach on Monday for the annual Operation Surf program. The event offers veterans the chance to surf and paddle with qualified instructors as a source of healing and mentorship.

Shep Edwards, right, carries Corey Muzzy, who served in the Army from 2007 to 2016, during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

Travis Strong, who served in the Army as a staff sergeant from 1997 to 2008 and was wounded in Iraq in 2006, rides a wave during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

A veteran, in blue, is greeted by World War II vet Jack Stitzinger as more than two dozen wounded vets and active-duty personnel arrive in Huntington Beach on Monday for the annual Operation Surf.

Wounded Afghanistan veteran Jordan Sisco flashes a shaka after riding a wave during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

Derrick Ross, who was a combat engineer in the Army, high-fives Nikki Mahar of Operation Surf before entering the water Tuesday in Huntington Beach.

Richard Rodriguez, in red, accompanies Corey Muzzy as he rides a wave during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

Shep Edwards, Corey Muzzy, Richard Rodriguez and Colin Lewis, from left, toast with coconut water after riding waves during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Tuesday.