(June 23, 2025) North Carolina-Over the course of three powerful days in North Carolina, Operation Wake Surf, in partnership with Centurion Boats, brought together a group of active military, military veterans and first responders for an unforgettable experience designed to inspire healing, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Hosted on two Centurion Ri265 boats and supported by an elite team of volunteers, pro riders, and company leaders, the event went far beyond wake surfing. For many participants, it became a life-changing turning point.
Operation Wake Surf blends the healing power of water, camaraderie and mentorship via our compassionate coaches by sharing our passion for wake surfing with first responders and military personnel. This gives our participants an amazing experience on the water while instilling community, confidence, camaraderie and the respect they deserve.
“You show up with a group of people that are totally lost, searching for meaning, carrying invisible wounds,” said Daniel Indelicato, President at Centurion & Supreme Boats. “And by the time it’s over, they’ve found something. They’ve found their purpose again. They’ve found color in a life that was black and white.”
Each day was intentionally crafted: from initial introductions and surf sessions to adrenaline-fueled pit crew training at Joe Gibbs Racing and go cart racing to finally long talks by the fire late into the night. These weren’t just surface level conversations, they were soul-level breakthroughs. Veterans and first responders who once buried trauma deep began to open and share their stories.
“There was a moment during one of the daily circles where a participant shared what a friend of his mentioned at a previous event, ‘This is the first time in nine months I’ve seen color. Life had been black and white since I came home.’ That stuck with all of us,” said Alexis Machado, Marketing Assistant at Centurion & Supreme Boats.
Throughout the three-day journey, the sense of camaraderie grew stronger. Many of the heroes shared harrowing stories from surviving mass shootings to losing children or partners and found comfort in one another. The surf sessions helped break down walls. The bonfires gave space to open up. The shared experiences forged real, lasting bonds.
“Losing a brother in the line of duty is one of the heaviest burdens an officer can bear. That night nearly drowned me. Wake surfing quickly became more than just a sport—it became a lifeline. Today, through The Partner Foundation, we harness that same water to bring first responders together for healing, connection, and a chance to breathe again—Partnering 4with Operation Wake Surf and the many amazing supporters like my friends at Centurion Boats and their Salute2Service initiative,” shared Kyle Baker- OWS alum.
The OWS mission is to provide an unforgettable and unique experience to first responders and military personnel like Kyle Baker who keep our communities and country safe. The Salute to Service three-day event that does just that.
“By the last night, it didn’t feel like an event anymore,” said Indelicato. “It felt like family. We had 40 people in a room, mostly men, and many were in tears. You don’t expect that, but you realize how deeply invested everyone becomes in each other’s healing. These people will stay in touch for life.”
For Centurion Boats, this isn’t about branding or sales. It’s about using their platform and products to create impact.
“We’re a privately owned, faith-based company,” said Indelicato. “We have the ability and the responsibility to invest in people. From a financial standpoint, doing something like this may not make sense on a spreadsheet. But you can’t put a dollar amount on a life that was just saved.”
Operation Wake Surf’s model combines physical activity, emotional connection, and intentional time in nature especially on the water. Surfing behind Centurion boats, participants tapped into the calming “Blue Mind” effect and experienced joy many hadn’t felt in years.
“For some of these guys, this event may be the first time they’ve laughed or felt peace in a very long time,” said Machado. “It’s not just about surfing it’s about reminding them that they matter. That they’re not alone.”
As the sun set on the final day, the sense of purpose that had been rekindled in these heroes was unmistakable. Stories of trauma were still present but now they were held in a community of people who understood. And as they left, many voiced the same message: “This changed my life.”
Robby Maschhaupt, Founder of Operation Wake Surf shares, “When we started OWS I thought it was going to be blue skies and high fives. God has blessed OWS with so much more. Our heroes actually let go at our one day events and at our three-day retreat. Our men and women bond and express their scars in our circle OWS provides. We are making a difference across the country.”
About Operation Wake Surf: Operation Wake Surf blends the healing power of water, camaraderie and mentorship via our compassionate coaches by sharing our passion for wake surfing with first responders and military personnel. This gives our participants an amazing experience on the water while instilling community, confidence, camaraderie and the respect they deserve. Our mission is to provide an unforgettable and unique experience to the first responders and military personnel who keep our communities and country safe.
About Centurion Boats: Creating the World’s best waves, wakes and ride since 1976, Centurion is a towed water sports boat manufacturer built on innovation and commitment to excellence. As a Correct Craft Company, we are charged with “Making Lives Better”. We embody this phrase with the boats we build along with the lives we live on and off the water. Centurion Boats is the perfect ride every time. To learn more about Centurion Boats, visit http://www.centurionboats.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com.