
Welcome to Third Coast Rising: A Lake Michigan 501c3 nonprofit surf and paddle community utilizing a holistic wellness approach for veterans and first responders.

ABOUT
Third Coast Rising started with our Founder and VP taking their paddle boards out to the cold waters of Michigan. Soon, others began to join in. Community and water combined with mental health therapy formed a powerful route to wellness and hope. This got our Founder thinking, if it worked for her and others, what were the possibilities of creating a nonprofit surf therapy community, starting first by serving our veterans and first responders -- those who have given so much?
Meet Our Team

Shelley Ritter
Founder/Director

Nikki Booko
Board Vice President

Mark Cox
Veteran/Responder Contact

Josh Ritter
Board Secretary

Vanessa King
Admin

Miska Rynsburger
Board Member

Tim Haadsma
Surf Instructor/Board Member

Nico Cerniglia
Surf Instructor/Board Member
