Antelope Valley Desert Divers & WAVES Affiliation

AVDD is proud to formalize our affiliation with WAVES, an incredible nonprofit organization dedicated to helping wounded American veterans experience the freedom and fun of Scuba diving.

What is WAVES?

“The WAVES Project is a 501 3 (c) Non-Profit and has been established to provide an opportunity for American Veterans with service connected disabilities and their families to experience scuba diving and receive the benefits the ocean provides. 

Each veteran and a dive companion of his or her choice can experience the freedom of Scuba diving.  We take each candidate and his or her dive buddy through Open Water certification at no cost.  From classroom to open water dives, each participate will experience the many benefits to Scuba...regardless of his or her injury.

The WAVES Project uses the platform of Scuba Diving and the therapeutic values of water to help our veterans rehabilitate from their service-related injuries. Our highly trained staff of Instructors and Dive Masters are trained by PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) and HSA (Handicapped Scuba Instructors). Our training and experience allows us to work with paralyzed veterans, veterans with amputations, as well as veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress.

Learning to dive is an incredible experience. Divers breathe underwater for the first time (an unforgettable experience) and learn what they need to know to become a certified diver.

During the course, divers participate in at least five pool dives and four open water dives at local dive sites under the supervision of our Waves Project Instructor.

What does aVDD’s affiliation with WAVES accomplish?

AVDD will provide valuable assistance by enabling WAVES to expand its services to the Antelope, Conejo, and San Joaquin Valleys in Southern California. Our instructors will be directly involved in getting the veterans of these areas, who otherwise would not have access to WAVES’ services, into the water. We will also provide and coordinate pool and ocean dives with the WAVES instructors to expand the reach of this incredible program.

How Can I Get Involved?

Your generous, tax deductible donation to The WAVES Project will help Wounded American Veterans as well as their families rebuild their lives. Through the therapeutic values of water, the injured veterans along with their buddy discover the freedom and tranquility of our oceans, lakes, and quarries which help them in their recovery!

WAVES is always looking for new volunteers. Check out their website for how to sign up!

The WAVES Project’s programs are focused on continued support, services, rehabilitation and diving companionship for a lifetime.

You can donate directly to WAVES using this link. Thank you for your support!