Daniel “Dan” Stan grew up surfing and fishing in Cape Canaveral, Florida. He served over 24 years as a Military Police Officer in both the US Marine Corps and the US Army. Like many veterans, the transition from the military to civilian life was challenging.
“When I retired in 2018 I expected peace,” Dan said. “Instead I felt lost, angry, and isolated from the only world I’d ever known.”
In 2023, five years after retiring, Dan rediscovered his passion for surfing. He built his own longboard and rode waves in Florida. Around this time, Dan found One More Wave online.
“I reached out to Rob in San Diego and asked how I could bring that mission to life here in Fort Pierce, Florida,” he said. “With the help of a few fellow veterans I met on the beach (Frank and Kenny) we built the Fort Pierce chapter of One More Wave from the sand up.”
Today, the Fort Pierce chapter has around 50 veterans and supporters who find healing, connection, and purpose through the ocean and surfing.
Dan now serves as the chapter leader.
“Surfing gave me a second chance at life,” he reflected. “It’s not just a hobby — it’s a lifeline. It gives me clarity, purpose, and community.”
The Fort Pierce chapter hasn’t missed a 3rd Saturday monthly event since inception in the summer of 2024. In addition, Dan proudly says he surfs 4-5 times a week with some loyal members of his crew.
Dan says One More Wave is his surf tribe that has helped him rediscover joy, brotherhood, and balance. When asked about what surfing means to him he said:
“Surfing is my therapy.
Surfing is my purpose.
Surfing is my freedom.”
Written by Matt Fratus in collaboration with Dan!