OCEANSIDE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), a leading institution for graduate health sciences education, is the title sponsor of the 9th Annual U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships, marking the university’s sixth consecutive year supporting the event. USAHS’s sponsorship extends well beyond funding: the university’s occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) students form the backbone of the event’s volunteer base, working alongside athletes to help them get in position for and execute their rides.
The partnership reflects the university’s commitment to experiential education by connecting future OT and PT professionals with the communities they aim to serve. During the competition, USAHS OT and PT students apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting, helping athletes transfer from wheelchairs to surfboards, assisting with entries and exits from the water, and working alongside other volunteers to make sure every athlete competes safely.
“This event allows our students to take everything they’ve learned in the classroom and put it into practice, on a demanding stage, with exceptional athletes who are counting on them,” said Dr. Maureen Johnson, Associate Professor of the Occupational Therapy Program at USAHS. “It’s one of the most meaningful experiences we can offer both as a learning tool and a form of community engagement, and it reminds all of us why we strive for excellence every day.”
The championships take place Sept. 10-13 on the north side of the Oceanside Pier. The competition draws surfers from around the world to take part in one of their sport’s premier showcases. The U.S. event serves as the final leg of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour, following related events last spring in Australia and Hawaii. This year, approximately 80 adaptive athletes from 15 countries are competing for a prize pool among the largest in adaptive surfing.
“Being out there in the water, helping an athlete get exactly where they need to be to catch the one wave they’ve been working toward for years, is something you can’t really recreate in the classroom,” said Kiara Lyle, a USAHS OT doctoral student volunteer. “The practical experience is so valuable, and it gives you a unique opportunity to observe the impact of your training.”
Along with community members, USAHS students, faculty, and staff support nearly every aspect of the event, including registration and administrative roles. This year, USAHS anticipates over 100 student, faculty, and staff volunteers across the four-day competition, continuing a partnership that has become a cornerstone of the university’s community engagement efforts in Oceanside.
Local residents interested in volunteering or attending the Oceanside championships can learn more and sign up at https://usopenadaptivesurfingchampionships.com/.
About USAHS
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution dedicated to educating, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of health sciences practitioners. The University offers graduate level physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing and Doctor of Education as well as continuing education. Founded in 1979, USAHS has a network of five campuses that span three states—California, Florida and Texas—and is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (501) 748-9001, www.wscuc.org. The University is transforming society by instructing tomorrow’s healthcare providers to be skilled, confident and a force for good through its Certified B Corp status. Follow USAHS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. To learn more, visit: usa.edu/.
Media Contact: Caroline Hansen [chansen@wearecsg.com]
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