Meet Sean Meyer | Human Bean

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Meyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, what are you inspired by?
Being in nature is excellent for my mindfulness and stress but what inspires me most is other people. My brothers that I lost in combat, their grieving mothers resilience, my battle buddies that came home from war only to suffer unimaginable pain and end their lives. My brothers and sisters that continue to get out of bed every morning and show up despite the pain and ongoing battle between the ears. My brothers and sisters who fell down 99 times and got back up 100, the ones who have every reason to have a bad attitude but instead say “Today, I am not a victim”!” The widow of the fallen soldier, the son of the man who ended his life.
My wife who uprooted her life to begin a new one with me, my children, the greatest gift I could ever imagine and love.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Im in the business of helping others. I would not be where I am without the love and support of others. I created the Veteran Surf Alliance during my transition out of the military. I found the most beneficial thing to my recovery was giving back and helping those in need. By doing that I was able to grasp the bigger picture in life and get out of my headspace. In the military we are in a structured, fast paced, thrilling environment surrounded by some incredible leadership, when someone transitions from that lifestyle it’s a huge shock to their system. We reenter the world that we fought for and more often then not it can be a whole traumatic experience on its own. Finding a supportive community of likeminded people who understand what its like is so important for any sort of stability and comfort to happen. Thats where the Veteran Surf Alliance and One More Wave play such an important role on helping that process and to be able to share in activity that is both challenging and thrilling. Surfing has so many physical and phycological benefits. Just being around the ocean and the crashing waves reduces stress. The VSA is providing ongoing opportunities for veterans to surf, coach, mentor and find community . Along with my work with the VSA I am also the Santa Cruz County Veteran Outreach Representative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Santa Cruz and love it when my Socal friends make the drive north! I love starting the day at Mr. Toots coffee shop in Capitola then going for a surf somewhere along East Cliff. Breakfast burritos at the point market then grab our MTN bikes and head up Wilder Ranch and over to UCSC if we are feeling a bit more adventurous. Lunch at Bettys burgers and go say hi to the friendly folks at Buell Surf Shop on 41st ave. Maybe a BBQ at my place after with Freedom Meat Locker, best quality in town. As you can tell Im an active person so I love bringing visiting folks to my gym, Freefall MMA in midtown, where we train BJJ and Muy Thai most weeknights, come roll with us!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Biggest shout out to the wifey, Tiffany. We married after I graduated basic training and enjoy life with our 3 children. The VSA would not be what it is without the help from my brother in arms, VSA President Dan Redmon. Fellow paratrooper Xavier Bianchi has been by side and consistently give his knowledge and expertise. Our head coach Brian Waters showing the way in the water and leading a whole health lifestyle. One of the most resilient people Ive ever met VSA chapter lead Pearl Van. One More Wave for all the love and support over the years. Always keeping it real and about the mission.

Website: www.veteransurfalliance.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransurfalliance

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veteran-surf-alliance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/465914887569977

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb77NtY6rK0

Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-UpfdrjK7A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYyek-z6X_k&t=2s

Image Credits
Johnny O (831 SURF) Jason Smith George Schepler Mackenzie Rena