The story behind MTC Surf
How it began
A small group of surfers began sharing the water with children from orphanages in Mexico. That work became More Than Conquerors Surf.
Founded in Ventura, MTC Surf grew into a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit through years of prayer, perseverance, and people showing up. Family, friends, churches, mentors, coaches, and volunteers helped turn the original vision into a lasting community effort.
The journey included discouragement, financial uncertainty, and practical challenges. MTC Surf kept moving forward by showing up with consistency and compassion, supported by the people and resources that arrived along the way.
MTC Surf was built to respond to the deep, often unseen effects of trauma. A surf day is about more than riding a wave: it creates a safe, encouraging place to build trust and confidence, experience joy, and find peace in nature.
Today, foster youth, adoptive and kinship families, and young people affected by human trafficking join supported surf days in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. MTC Surf wants every participant to feel seen, valued, loved, and connected to a purpose beyond their circumstances, with families supported alongside them.
Read Elle Miller's Shoutout LA interview
The heart behind the name
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
At the beach
For families
Participants range from age 2 through 25. Parents and guardians remain part of the day, and families do not need to bring surf equipment or know how to surf.
MTC Surf provides boards, wetsuits, instruction, water safety, lunch, and support on the beach.
Find an eventWatch the day unfold
See check-in, the surf session, lunch, and the Tunnel of Honor sendoff.
What the research found
Two peer-reviewed youth studies tracked outcomes around structured surf programs. One measured happiness and wellbeing after six weekly sessions. The other measured hope before and after a one-day ocean therapy program.
Peer-reviewed studies
Each finding below shows the participants, the measured change, and a direct link to the published research.
Six-week surf program
98%of happiness-item respondents felt happier
Study 01
The post-program survey included 103 young people ages 8–18. Of those who answered the happiness item, 79 (98%) said they felt happier. In a separate before-and-after evaluation of 84 young people, every measured wellbeing area improved significantly.
Global Journal of Community Psychology PracticeStudy 02
The 152 young people had significantly higher Children’s Hope Scale scores after the one-day ocean therapy program. In the 50-person follow-up group, scores were still significantly higher one month later than at the start.
One-day ocean therapy
Full group · 152 young people
Follow-up group · 50 young people
MTC Surf brings those building blocks together: time in the ocean, one-on-one instruction, and people ready to celebrate the effort.
Read family stories
Behind every event
Staff, volunteers, surf instructors, donors, and local partners make each event possible.
