Konnor da Luz joined the One More Wave community last year.
Konnor is the son of a career Ranger medic, and he has always dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps. In 2011, he left Northern California to pursue this goal, quickly earning his Airborne wings. Just months after joining the 3rd Infantry, Konnor was set to deploy in support of the Global War on Terror.
Due to his inexperience, he received a ceremonious promotion to Private First Class on the tarmac before heading to Afghanistan. He was deployed to Helmand Province for a lengthy tour with a Combined Joint Special Operations Command Task Force.
During his first six months, Konnor faced over 135 firefights, often while carrying an M240L machine gun. The chaotic combat environment left him with a traumatic brain injury after a teammate fired an AT-4 rocket launcher without clearing the backblast area. “Two of us were lifted off the ground and knocked unconscious,” Konnor recalled. “I should have gone home, but I didn’t want to. After a head injury, you’re still shooting a machine gun that’s rocking your brain.”
Despite his determination to stay in the fight, his condition worsened. He suffered from memory loss, agitation, and a lack of patience. Believing he could no longer contribute effectively, Konnor left the military in 2015-2016.
For years, he struggled to cope with life after war until a friend introduced him to surfing. He took to it quickly, even using a shortboard—a rarity for beginners. Eventually, Konnor received a custom 5'10" surfboard, which he affectionately calls his “pleasure pig,” from One More Wave.
The maroon board, inspired by his favorite anti-hero Deadpool, features stickers of a shogun (honoring his unit’s name) and a geisha holding a machine gun (a reminder of his time in the Army). But beyond the board’s design, what truly matters to Konnor is the act of surfing and the community it has given him.
“Surfing brought me into the present after the war,” he reflected. “One More Wave is a beautiful community. Guys may have had a rough week, but when we’re together in the ocean, or even just drinking coffee beforehand, you can see the ease in their faces.”
Konnor now surfs as often as he can in San Diego. Surfing even led to his current job as a yacht broker. If you ever find yourself around One More Wave or the Camp Pendleton Surf Club, where Konnor is a member, introduce yourself—you’ll be greeted by his vibrant personality.
Your support makes this possible. Every donation goes directly to getting more veterans in the water and on the path to healing. It's simple but powerful – a surfboard, the ocean and a supportive community can change lives.
Join us in supporting veterans like Konnor with your donation.
Konnor's story is just one of many. If you’d like to read more rider profiles, check them out here.
Our goal is to award 100 new veteran surf therapy grants by the end of 2024, but we can't do it without your support!
You can donate to our cause or shop our merch to help us continue making a difference.