Meet Tracy Hines, a remarkable member of the One More Wave family.
Tracy Hines is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, Tracy served as a parachute rigger in the US Army from 2007 to 2009. Following a serious injury from a parachute accident, she was medically retired from the military and transitioned into paddle sports, including kayaking and canoeing. Tracy even competed globally at the highest level with the US National Extreme Slalom Team.
Around 2018-2019, Tracy struggled with a loss of identity and purpose, feeling disconnected from her military and sports communities. A pivotal moment came after a confrontation at the VA, which led her to seek anger management classes and therapeutic outlets. The VA recommended the Warrior Surf Foundation. “I had to learn to not be aggro and to be more dignified and diplomatic,” Tracy reflected. “Surfing has really helped me transition from being a tiger to being a turtle.”
Tracy identifies the turtle as her spirit animal. After mastering the basics of surfing on a foam board, One More Wave customized her surfboard, proudly featuring a turtle design. “You have to be balanced and poised on the board,” she explained. “The turtle reminds me to take a step back, compose myself, and stay calm instead of being too aggressive.”
One of Tracy’s favorite aspects of One More Wave is the sense of community.
“I’ve made a lot of new friends and surfed with people all over the world,” she said. “Whenever I show up at the beach with my One More Wave surfboard, many people approach me to ask about the board. They love the turtle.” Tracy enjoys surfing in Florida and Costa Rica, finding both places to be perfect spots for embracing her new identity and passions.
Tracy's story is just one of many. If you’d like to read more rider profiles, check them out here.
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Thank you for riding the wave with us,
The One More Wave Team