ABOUT RAW

Ride a Wave's mission is to give children with disabilities the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged. 

Since its inception in 1998, Ride a Wave (RAW) has helped over 2,500 kids get in the water and have a life changing day at the beach with activities including:

  • A life guard demonstration and marine safety orientation

  • Stretching and sunscreen

  • Beach obstacle course

  • Boogie Boarding

  • Kayaking

  • Tandem Surfing

  • Snacks, water and a hot lunch

  • Awards ceremony

All at no cost to any child, organization or individual!

Safety is our top priority, and we're proud to never have had any accidents. Participants are only taken in the ocean by specially trained RAW volunteers after participants have been covered with plenty of sunscreen and fitted with wetsuits, life vests and safety helmets.

While primarily addressing the California Bay Area, visitors have come from every US state and as far away as Canada, Italy, and France to participate in Ride a Wave beach camps. In addition, Ride a Wave mentors and assists Malibu Board Riders to serve over 300 kids in beach camps in San Diego, Malibu, and Carpentaria.

Founded in 1998 by Danny Cortazzo – a former tandem surfing champion and lifeguard, and currently a full-time firefighter and paramedic.

Based in Santa Cruz, CA, Ride a Wave is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The 100% volunteer run organization has no paid positions and was founded in 1998 by former tandem surfing champion and lifeguard, Danny Cortazzo, a full-time firefighter and paramedic. Cortazzo is joined by over 300 active community volunteers each season ranging from grade school children to senior citizens. RAW volunteers include firefighters, doctors, nurses, EMTs, students, lifeguards, tech and business professionals, marine scientists, contractors, real estate agents, pro surfers, authors, actors, and more.

In recognition for his commitment to Ride a Wave and the outstanding community service it provides, Cortazzo was: 

  • Selected 2003 Firefighter of the Year by the Santa Clara City Firefighters

  • Named a Community Hero by the United Way of Santa Cruz County 
    in 2004 

  • Honored with a prestigious Jefferson Award by the San Francisco Chronicle in June 2006 

  • Recognized as a Team Clif Hot Seat Athlete in 2003

Our Community

Ride a Wave makes a big impact in the community. It is run by an amazing team of volunteers from Santa Cruz and the outlying Bay Area.

RAW is proud to partners with and serve some incredible organizations who address the needs of children with disabilities. 

With a shared passion for the ocean and helping others, our volunteers have become a tight-nit community forming strong bonds with each other and the children they serve.