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Freedom is Not Free Joins with Local Surfing Companies to Provide the Ultimate Surf Experience

 

Kids learning how to surf at La Jolla Shores in San Diego, CA, practicing their stands on the surfboards. Photo: Ron Greene.

 

Details Freedom is not Free Surf Camps July 19th & 20th, 2010 July 26th & 27th, 2010 August 2nd & 3rd, 2010 August 9th & 10th, 2010 La Jolla Shores in San Diego, CA Visit Surf Diva website    Photos: La Jolla Shores Cick on photo to see full image. And click here to see See full album from the La Jolla Shores Surf Club/Longboard Association Contest.

La Jolla, California.  July 12, 2010 – FREEDOM IS NOT FREE (FINF) is partnering with Surf Diva, INT Softboards, Wells Fargo Bank, and Gatorade® to sponsor the 2010 Little Warriors Surf Camp that provides children of active duty service members (preference to the families of wounded and fallen service members) with an escape from the daily reminders of why they're 'different' from other children. The second annual camp will give these children a fun and physically challenging outlet that they might not otherwise have. At the conclusion of the camp, each family will receive their own surfboard so that they can continue to live the surfing lifestyle -- one that encompasses sport, spirituality, physical fitness and emotional well-being. The camp will take place at Kellogg Park in La Jolla Shores, CA, on July 19 & 20, July 26 & 27, August 2 & 3, and August 9 & 10, 2010.

This year, FINF is proud to host some surprise guests, along with Little Warriors alumnus. The Surfrider Foundation will present classes to the campers on ocean conservation and the San Diego lifeguards will provide campers with ocean safety and awareness classes.

Last year’s camp proved to be so popular that this year all spaces were sold out within three hours of the announcement to the San Diego military community. Here’s what one parent had to say about last year’s camp: “It is wonderful to see an organization such as this give back to the military community. My oldest son participated in the Little Warriors Surf Camp and he had a wonderful time! The staff of FINF and surf instructors were all great and my son could not stop talking about how much fun he had making new friends, learning to surf, and just having fun! As if that wasn't enough, he was given his own surfboard! This fun-filled day could not have happened without the support and generosity of Freedom Is Not Free! Thank you again for your support!”

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE, a California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is proud to serve the brave men and women of the military and their families. Since its establishment in 2005, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE has raised funds to serve, support, and increase awareness with the aim of easing our heroes' and their families' burdens. We have assisted with travel expenses for families of fallen heroes; purchased "burn-beds" for road side bomb victims; helped to refurbish the Wounded Warrior Barracks at Camp Pendleton, CA; arranged the venue and accommodations for a surviving spouse conference; allocated funds for the purchase of equipment to convert conventional clothing into burn victim "tear-aways"; provided logistical assistance and funding for the renovation of a brain trauma center on Camp Pendleton; and provided funds for living expenses for recovering warriors and their families facing extreme financial hardship.

The name of the organization, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE, gives expression to the founder's sentiment that the brave men and women serving in the military, and their families, were shouldering the price -- and all too often the ultimate price -- for the freedoms that we ALL enjoy.

Surf Diva , which runs La Jolla Surf Camp and the Australian Surf Academy, as well as Surf Diva Surf School – in both La Jolla and in Costa Rica -- is San Diego's number one surf camp for children. Since 1999, La Jolla Surf Camp has been teaching boys and girls how to surf in a safe and fun environment. Surf Diva was founded by Isabelle "Izzy" Tihanyi in 1996.  Izzy, and her twin sister, Caroline (Coco), have built the world's most successful surf school for women and expanded that original concept to include instruction to men and children. Izzy understands the importance of this camp and what it means to give back. She and Coco -- and all the staff at La Jolla Surf Camp -- recognize the sacrifice of those who serve and recognize the additional strain placed on their families, especially the children. "This camp is a fantastic opportunity for these kids to get stoked on surfing. Jay (Kopelman), FINF Executive Director, has done an amazing job organizing everything," says Izzy Tihanyi.

INT Softboards has been making softboards since 2001 and is the largest softboard manufacturer in the USA. From their Carlsbad, CA, facility they distribute softboards worldwide supplying retailers, rental programs and surf camps. INT is the only softboard manufacturer using a waterproof foam core in their boards. INT produces 4,500 boards annually and is the longest-lasting, safest and most fun board on the market today. "We are proud to be involved with an organization that gives back to the families who keep our country safe and free," said company representative, Dustin Campbell.

Please visit the FINF web site at www.FreedomIsNotFree.com or address questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about the Little Warriors Surf Camp.