Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes to use the dynamic platform of sport to reach their peers with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
In Atlantic City, New Jersey, FCA Surf goes beyond the traditional sports environments to engage action sports enthusiasts on the waves.
According to Laura Matera, FCA Executive Vice President of Action Sports, “This ministry with FCA Surf started in 2013 in the midst of Hurricane Sandy relief work. A group of blue-collar surfers and volunteers worked for eight months to help families get back into their homes or apartments after the flood damage. Once the water started warming up in early summer, the group began to offer surf lessons and clinics to the kids in the neighborhood. It was an easy way to build relationships and share what we love, while also sharing God’s love.”
For over 20 years, FCA Surf has hosted camps on the coast of New Jersey. Each day, campers surf on soft, safe boards at beaches monitored by lifeguards. The camps are designed for beginner and intermediate surfers, ages 8–16. All along the beach, you will see youth learning to surf for the first time, as well as experienced surfers who are some of the best in the water.
But participants don’t just learn how to ride waves — they also gain a deeper understanding of the ocean and the God who created it. In a fun and supportive setting, FCA Surf coaches teach ocean safety, surfing techniques and proper surf etiquette.
Paul Aspenberg has been a faithful Ambassador with FCA Surf, living out his calling with deep humility and unwavering trust in God. Over the last five years, his family has faced tremendous trials as both his wife and sons were diagnosed with cancer, including his youngest son at only three years old. Yet through it all, Paul has modeled remarkable faith, clinging to God’s promises and serving as a living testimony of perseverance and hope. His gentle spirit and humble heart reveal how God is powerfully at work through him, inspiring others in the surf community and beyond to trust the Lord no matter the circumstances.
At the ministry’s onset, it was crucial for FCA Surf to first gain the trust and support of the surrounding seaside community.
Aspenberg remarked, “One of our biggest ministry challenges in this city has been building trust and credibility within communities that may not have much experience or confidence in water sports, specifically ocean sports. Building relationships and partnerships with churches, other non-profits, the police department and local teachers has been beneficial in this regard. The police officers themselves have even joined us in the water and learned how to pop up on a surfboard next to the students.”
The support from the community ultimately proved to be reciprocal.
“In order to provide a safe environment at our camps, we partner with our local surf community as well as the local church,” shared Aspenberg. “Our church volunteers and youth group students are running competitive games on the beach, while our local surfers are giving water instruction. This has been another aspect of ministry at our camps. Some of our local surfers may not know Jesus yet, but they have a heart to give back to the community
“The whole week at camp is a beautiful picture of diversity, unity and encouragement,” continued Aspenberg. “Many local churches are represented by the volunteers working together to share the love of Jesus with students from non-churched backgrounds, as well as Muslim, Buddhist and Catholic families. Pastors, plumbers, police officers and lawyers volunteer to make each camper feel loved and special. All of this to bring God glory.”
Matera’s journey with FCA began with her role as Surf Mid Atlantic Director. She has been pivotal in turning the regional ministry of New Jersey into a national movement to transform the world through the impact of surfing. Today, she now serves the unique communities of all action sports, including BMX, climbing, mountain biking, skating, skiing, snowboarding, surfing and wakeboarding.
Matera said, “Each year, I visit one day of the week-long camp. It is by far my favorite day of the year. The beach is full of volunteers of all ages serving on the beach and in the water. Youth and families are experiencing creation and the love of Christ in a way they might never have before. It is pure joy.
“Our goal is to give every child the opportunity to learn to surf,” Matera summarized. “But most of all, we want them to grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe that surfing is a beautiful gift, and that it can be used in a powerful way to influence individuals and families by enriching and rebuilding relationships with each other and with God
To learn more, visit FCA’s Facebook page, Instagram page or X/Twitter feed.
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Photos courtesy of Paul Aspenberg