When I returned home from Iraq I immediately discharged. I had nobody to relate to and felt isolated from the world. It took me 8 years to see a professional and I was diagnosed with PTSD and lived on medication. Creating a personal timber surfboard in this environment provided me the therapy I needed in my life. I met others who had similar experiences to me and I quickly learned that it wasn’t just about the creating but it was also rediscovering that sense of belonging. I didn’t want to complete my surfboard and have since returned regularly to hang out in the workshop meeting others. I will always continue to do so in the future.