Paddling for the Wave<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">With the Skyline of Pismo Beach in the distance, Army Sgt. Tim Brumley paddles toward shore as he tries to catch a wave on his third day of surfing as part of Operation Restoration, a weeklong retreat for amputees and other patients recovering from war injuries suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. The former paratrooper lost his leg after triggering a mine during a nighttime jump in Afghanistan.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2211776396/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
First Wave Ever<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">After riding his first wave, a jubilant Army Sgt. Tim Brumley gets a high-five from Billabong surf instructors Jason Jackson, left, and Ainsley Schumacher.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984215/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
Learning on Land<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek McGinnis, right, and other veterans practice standing up on their surfboards before hitting the water.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984007/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
A Timid First Day<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">A pensive U.S. Army Cpl. Andy Soule looks out at the ocean as surf instructor John Wagner gets ready to take him out for his first day of surfing.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2211776668/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
A Helping Hand After the Wipeout<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">Charlie Doty of Grover Beach helps Ret. Army Sgt. Chang Wong back to his board after a wipeout. Wong served in Iraq and lost both legs beneath the knee.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984881/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
Adjusting the Limb<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Dan Regan shortens his prosthetic leg to help him stand up on the board quicker and easier.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984449/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
camaraderie in the Water<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">In a break between sets, Ret. Army Sgt. Chang Wong, center, and other yellow-jerseyed veterans float on the calm waters off Pismo Beach with their instructors while they wait for the next set of waves.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984501/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
Walking to the Waves<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">With the help of crutches, Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Dan Regan makes his way into the water to compete in the veterans division of the Oceano Surf Classic .<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved<br /></span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984349/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
Success<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">As he catches a wave, Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Owens steadies himself before working his way to a standing position.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved<br /></span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984969/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
The Crowd Goes Wild<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">Scott Dratwa of Arroyo Grande, center, Donna Myers of Los Osos, right, and others cheer on the veterans as they compete in the Oceano Surf Classic, which was the culmination of their Central Coast surfing experience.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2210984613/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>
Timid at First a Champion in the End<br /><span style="font-size:0.8em;">Trophy in hand, Army Cpl. Andy Soule, lets loose a huge smile after being announced the winner of the Oceano Surf Classic's veterans division. He pulled off a handstand during the contest and it proved to be the winning move.<br /><br />Copyright © The Tribune/Joe Johnston. All rights reserved</span> • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/98558265@N00/2211777164/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>