Ripple with Andy Manzi

This March, we’ll hear from Andy Manzi, founder of the Warrior Surf Foundation, on the topic of Ripple. A perfect match, if you ask us.

A little about Andy:

After returning from tours overseas with the USMC, Manzi found myself working through the effects of TBI, PTSD and depression. Through a good friend he was introduced to surfing, and from his first ice cold winter surf, he knew he had discovered something important. Surfing changed his life and helped him to overcome those difficulties. It wasn’t long before he knew this was something that other veterans could benefit from, and so they launched their program. Over time it has grown to serve more veterans, but they stay true to their roots - veterans serving veterans.

1. What do you love most about what you do?

I love the fact that every day I work towards making the world a better place.Simple.  A million ways we can do it. Choose one.2. What inspired you and how did you become involved in your current career(s)? 

I believed that surfing gave me a chance to live a full life and walk around with a full heart after a tough childhood and a tough war experience. I witnessed many go through a transformation during surf lessons I was teaching on Folly Beach and I was sick of all the clinical bullshit I tried to do to get better. I was tired of so many of our people committing suicide, having issues with the law, and pretty much living shitty lives, etc. I didn’t want anyone like me to live in a secret prison in their minds as I did at times. A pill is only the beginning of the end for some. So I was like, screw it- let’s get a specialist to helps us provide therapy on the beach and we will give free surf lessons. A lot has happened since.3. How do you start your day? 

My mornings used to be very chaotic, actually really hard for me to find clarity especially with a load of life stuff to knock out every day. Over the past year and a half I’ve found myself waking before sunrise no matter where I am; just enjoying the quiet, whether it’s breathing, surfing, or just sitting with a cup of coffee while looking at the sun. I feel those few hours in the early morning are crucial for your quality of life throughout the day. I’m blessed to have autonomy when it comes to my schedule, so I take a few hours for myself every day in the morning. One of the best options we have in this chaotic life.4. Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment. 

I have a lot to be proud of. I’ve done so much. Tons of accomplishments but honestly the fact I learned to surf decently is truly the greatest accomplishment, because without it the last 12 years of my life would have been very different. *The fact that I’m in the process of passing off this Foundation to someone else** is a huge accomplishment, most NGO’s never get there or fail because Founders won’t give it up.5. Do you have a hidden talent? 

I uses to think I didn’t have any lol, but I actually have a few and they will stay hidden. :)6. Who or what gives you creative inspiration? 

We are all creative in our own ways. Some with paint, others with food, for me this it’s this Foundation. My creative drive comes from wanting to see a change in the world, especially when there is an option to do so. Knowing that people need to be led through experience that propels them forward in a life that they are in control of, and one that they love.7. Coffee fuels our morning events. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order?

Cold drip all-day8. What is your favorite place in Charleston? 

Honestly, I love Queen Street grocery and the corner it sits on, I call it my secret spot lol.  I love sitting there early morning or late afternoon. I love that corner.9. How do you unwind or de-stress? 

Cooking a nice meal alone or with close people, which is probably one of my love languages. Sitting quietly outside by the water. Surf and yoga. Now the guitar, so peaceful.Rapid Fire:

morning person or night owl?
morning person

Summer of winter?
Quick to say summer but I have to winter because I’m always somewhere beautiful in the winter

Mountains or beach?
beach

Pancakes or waffles?
waffles

Fiction or non-fiction?
non-fiction– I wish that was opposite