Merrick / Bellmore Schools Hit The Beach!
May 11, 2023
Inspired To Make A Difference
June 23, 2023
Words: Austin Glickman – President of Law Enforcement Officers Weekend (@LEO_Weekend)
Photos: Jason Belsky (@jaybelsky)
Date: July 30th, 2022
(From L to R) Teddy Reinhard, Will Skudin, Cliff Skudin. Detective Dalsh Veve, On Surfboard – Photo: Jason Belsky
On Saturday, July 30th, 2022, Surf For All & Skudin Surf welcomed Law Enforcement Officers Weekend onto the beautiful sand of Long Beach, NY. A fellow nonprofit, LEO Weekend’s mission is to provide weekend getaways to the families of injured and fallen officers. Since 2017, they’ve supported over 60 families, representing 27 law enforcement agencies from 16 different states.
Surf For All has been an intricate part of LEO Weekend’s Long Beach getaway since the inaugural year in 2019. Providing a fun and relaxing surf lesson for these families, but more importantly, pushing officers to physical limits they never knew would be possible. From spending weeks, months or years in physical rehab, recovering from gunshot wounds, missing limbs, broken bones or stab wounds, to standing up on a surfboard in the Atlantic Ocean is an experience they’ll never forget.
Detective Dalsh Veve with Cliff and Will Skudin – Photo: Jason Belsky
On June 3rd, 2017, Detective Dalsh Veve of the NYPD’s 67th Precinct was involved in an on-duty incident where he was dragged by a fleeing vehicle over a multiple block radius. By the end, Dalsh sustained a catastrophic brain injury and his wife and young daughter were told he’d never walk, talk or be able to live a normal life ever again. Fast forward to July 30th, 2022, Skudin Surf made it their absolute mission to get Dalsh into the ocean, something he’s never done before since his incident. Even more impressive, the Skudin’s planned to get Dalsh surfing, a feat he never accomplished even while able bodied. No one thought that was even possible.
Detective Dalsh Veve In Surf For All’s Action Trackchair
We couldn’t have been more wrong.
There he was, surrounded by professionals who truly cared for him and his well being, carrying from his chair, into the water, and onto a surfboard. After a few failed attempts at catching a wave, there he went in all his glory, riding a wave, assisted by the staff of Skudin Surf, all the way onto the shore break. It was a magical experience which made everyone shed a tear and smile from ear to ear. Esther, Dalsh’s wife, sprinted down the beach screaming “MY HUSBAND IS SURFING! MY HUSBAND IS SURFING!”. Words she thought she’d never say in her life.
Detective Veve’s Family With Will Skudin
Skudin Surf and the staff/volunteers from Surf For All are true heroes. When we, the first responders, need to be rescued from our own-selves, we wouldn’t typically look at surfers for the help. Yet, we did, and we couldn’t be happier to be partners with such beautiful humans bringing smiles and joy to all of our attendees who need this more than you will ever know.
Thank you Surf For All & Skudin Surf. Cheers to many more interactions between our organizations!
