Carving the “Dis” out of Disability
Welcome to the Ocean Healing Group website, thanks for your interest in what we believe in and how we apply it to help others.
To provide therapeutic outdoor recreational opportunities to children and young adults with physical disabilities.
Ocean Healing Group
Ocean Healing Group (OHG) is a non-profit 501c3 foundation dedicated to providing once in a lifetime adaptive sports adventures to wheelchair bound youngsters and their parents.
We are a grassroots organization dedicated to helping others. 100% of all contributions go directly to our four main goals. Nothing is wasted and all of us, from our staff to our Board of Directors volunteer our time to make Ocean Healing Group so successful. Know that every penny you donate directly helps OHG do what we do.
Four Main Goals
Based in Colorado but federally recognized as a non-profit organization, Ocean Healing Group has four main goals:
Play
Facilitate the travel and lodging expenses of sending our participants to various approved adaptive camps and tours around the world.
Create
Research, Design and Assist in the construction of adaptive sports equipment for the activities we support.
Honor
Work with local communities in the areas where we offer tours and camps to include these indigenous people into our rehabilitative activities.
Share
Work with other non-profit organizations to assist them in utilizing the camps and tours which we support.
“JAWS” (Just Add Water Surfing)
“JAWS” (Just Add Water Surfing) is the flagship program of Ocean Healing Group. Specifically designed and customized for individuals with spinal cord injuries, the JAWS program is free of cost to its participants. Underwritten by Ocean Healing Group and generous sponsors, JAWS utilizes a phenomenal group of highly trained volunteers, all of whom possess significant in-water experience and lifeguard training.
Spread over the course of 8–10 days, we engage our kids in a wide variety of fun and exciting activities, helping them break down personal and physical barriers while building their self-confidence so they can expand the bounds of possibility for themselves.
It’s all about helping our kids push the bounds of possibility and carve the “Dis” out of disability.
Our main adaptive program is the JAWS (Just Add Water Surfing) Program. JAWS is held primarily in Costa Rica in coordination with great friends like Shaka Beach Retreat.
Activities
It is our goal to expose these kids to a wide variety of sports and activities, things they would never have the opportunity to experience otherwise…Including, but not limited to Surfing, Snorkeling, Fishing, Jungle Zip-Line Tours, Nature Tours and Horseback Riding. We also create the equipment necessary to safely enjoy these activities both locally and globally.
Adaptive Surf Program
Adaptive Surf Program
Shaka is located just a few minutes from an amazing beach for beginner surf instruction. OHG takes our participants out to surf several times throughout the week, allowing each adaptive surfer to surf for many hours over the course of the week. We use specially designed and modified adaptive surfboards allowing our surfers to ride on their belly in most cases. We surf one participant at a time and have 6 volunteers in the water with every adaptive surfer.
Jungle Quad Tour
Jungle Quad Tour
we rent 4×4, four wheel ATV's for an afternoon tour of the peninsula. These tours include riding around the peninsula, crossing rivers, climbing hills, through jungles and mountain vistas. Half way through the trip, we stop for a late lunch in the town of Montezuma and sometimes we hike to the Montezuma Falls or explore Cemetery Island. We usually come back covered in mud and always with big smiles.
Tide Pool Exploration
Tide Pool Exploration
We are blessed to have some amazing tide pools close to Shaka. We usually plan a trip to them at least once per week, sometimes two depending on the tide schedule. We snorkel, swim and enjoy the local wildlife, such as tropical fish, octopus and brittle starfish. This is a break from the high adventure activities we perform throughout the week, a chance to relax in the beautiful tropical waters.
Zip Lining Adventure
Zip Lining Adventure
A very special day during our week, zip lining through the jungle is a truly amazing event. Our team works hand in hand with the amazing team at MalPais Canopy Tour to provide this incredible adaptive zip line tour. Buckle up for this one, it's an amazing ride.
Adaptive Yoga Sessions
Adaptive Yoga Sessions
We have daily yoga sessions available for all, with special emphasis on stretching and recovering from the activities scheduled. Our yoga instructor has great knowledge and experience in working with both disabled and able bodied guests. We provide mats, towels and blocks so just show up and enjoy.
Family Quest
Family Quest
Throughout the week, families will particate in various activities together, working towards a common goal and pushing each other to succeed. OHG Oversees these activities with safety and love in mind.
Common Questions About Our Programs
Who can participate in Ocean Healing Group programs?
Our program was designed for wheelchair bound kids from the ages of 7-17.
Are families allowed to participate?
Yes, families are allowed and encouraged to participate, although they are not required as we provide full care during all activities.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers should send an email to us, sharing specific skills and experiences and may provide a resume as well.
How do you ensure safety?
Safety is our top priority, our programs were designed with safety in mind. All activities are accomplished with the help of a large safety team of volunteers, most of which have extensive experience in adaptive sports coaching and instruction.
Do participants need prior experience?
Our participants do not need prior experience to attend our adaptive retreats. We will assess the individual needs of each participant during interviews prior to our trip and we will address any concerns both with the family and with our team.