Operation Surf brings its program for veterans to Huntington Beach

Air Force veteran Eric Stoneking steadies himself as he gets up on a wave during the inaugural of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Air Force veteran Eric Stoneking celebrates as he stands up on a wave during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Air Force veteran Eric Stoneking and surf instructor Tanner Hendrickson, from left, walk up the beach after a surf session during opening day of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Cole Lopez greets the cool water during opening day of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Veteran Cole Lopez enters the surf assisted by safety officers during opening day of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Cole Lopez rides a wave during opening day of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Instructor Tanner Hendrickson, left, and Air Force veteran Eric Stoneking are greeted by Stoneking’s dog during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Former pro surfer Anthony Ruffo, left, works with Army veteran Mike Neuhart on the proper stance for surfing during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Former pro surfer Anthony Ruffo, left, shows Army veteran Mike Neuhart how to keep his balance during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Former pro surfer Anthony Ruffo and Army veteran Mike Neuhart, from left, greet a safety officer during Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Instructors, participating veterans and safety officers are met by a wave during opening day of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Safety officers, veterans and surf instructors gather for the opening ceremony of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Huntington Beach Officer Brian Knor, left, honors World War II veteran Jack Stitzinger during the opening ceremony for Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

Operation Surf Huntington Beach director Danny Nichols motions for everyone to “let’s go surfing” during Wednesday’s inaugural Operation Surf in the city.

Operation Surf Huntington Beach director Danny Nichols, in red, is emotional after making remarks during the inaugural Operation Surf, in the city on Wednesday.

The Huntington Beach Fire Department’s giant flag is hoisted from a ladder truck during opening day of Operation Surf in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

The Huntington Beach Fire Department’s giant flag is hung from the ladder truck during opening day of Operation Surf in the city on Wednesday.