JIMMY GAMBOA

Jimmy Gamboa grew up surfing the beaches of Southern California.   He started surfing competitively at a young age, but his heart was not in competition.  Instead, he chose to travel the world and has become a well respected surfer.  Jimmy has been featured in numerous surf films such as “The Seedling”, “The Sprout”, and “One California Day”.  Eight years ago, Jimmy found his passion and a way to give back through the Surfers Healing Foundation.  He is also a longtime friend of Jesse Billauer, founder of Life Rolls On, and continues to be inspired by his work in the special needs community.  Jimmy has a knowing of the ocean and its healing and restorative qualities.  His intuitive approach and understanding of how our children’s bodies can benefit from surfing is what makes him exceptional but it his laughter and pure joy of the experience that is his true gift .  

KIM BORDENAVE GAMBOA 

Kim Bordenave Gamboa is Co founder of THERAsurf.  She grew up in Los Angeles and through her upbringing was shown what an honor it is to be of service to one's community.  Her son, who has a diagnosis of Angelman Syndome, has motivated her to do what she can to facilitate the families of children with special needs to be included and strives to do her best to show others that they can be a part of the world despite the challenges they face. It is because of Kim’s own experience in the water as well as her sons, she believes in the healing power of surfing. She is passionate about her work with THERAsurf and the opportunity to give back to the community that has impacted her life so greatly and continues to inspire her onward.

  BRANDON RICHARDS

Brandon Richards, 32, has been in the Action Sports Industry his whole life.  He was born into the Val Surf Family and has worked at his family stores since 1991.  He graduated from USD in 2000 with his degree in Business Management and Marketing.  Brandon also currently consults for various companies and projects within the Industry and runs Val Surf's Marketing and Teams organizing events like The Malibu Invitational.  The Malibu Invitational was born by his group of friends with the premise of helping others in need.  Although events like this require a ton of hard work Brandon says, "There is nothing more rewarding than helping others and putting smiles on their faces."

 BENJAMIN BRATT

Benjamin Bratt a husband, father, actor, producer, activist, and surfer, among other things. But mostly, he is committed to the idea that we are all in this together. As such, he appreciates the chance to serve as the newest board member for THERAsurf, having witnessed firsthand the deep emotional and physical impact the organization has had on the lives of young people and their families, including his own.  

 PASCAL STANSFIELD

CYNTHIA GRIFFITHS

Cynthia has an extensive background in international film distribution having first rose in the international sales arena where she served as a sales executive at companies such as Lakeshore Entertainment, Kushner-Locke and Sierra/Affinity where she currently serves as Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs.  Following the birth of her son, Cole, who has cerebral palsy, she became an advocate for his therapuetic and educational needs.  As a result, she became involved in doing grassroots fundraising activities at his school, the CHIME Charter Community Schoool, where she implemented and oversees the Walk-N-Roll-A-Thon, now in its fifth year, and raises upwards of $40,000 annually, exclusively supporting the school's music program.  Cynthia also works in coordination with the CHIME Insitute Board on some of their fundraising and educational activities, serves as an advocate for inclusive education as a guest speaker for CSUN classes and special education conferences.

JOSH MORGAN

Josh Morgan was born and raised in Malibu and enjoyed a youth full of surf and sports.  Soon after graduating high school Josh began working for Duke's Malibu in what would eventually become his career.  He is currently the General Manager/Partner.  Through the Legacy of Aloha program created by T.S. Restaurants, Duke's raises thousands of dollars annually towards non-profits that focus on benefitting the community and children.  Josh strongly believes in the many healing benefits of the ocean and strives to bring all of his passions to THERAsurf. Josh lives locally with his wife and two daughters.

MATTHEW PIEPENBURG

Matt is returning to California after a brief stint out East and many years living, surfing and enjoying his beautiful family in France. The founder of The Emerson Circle Literary Society at Sundance, he enjoys leaning into conversation and sharing ideas and moments with good people.  Matt also knows how special the ocean is for expanding the lives of all who encounter her.

KEVIN MC CARTHY

Kevin was lucky enough to grow up in Los Angeles, spending much of his childhood skateboarding and fighting with his older brother.  His family spent a lot of time at the beach from La Jolla to Jalama and every beach in between.  In 1999, Kevin made his first trip to Indonesia and has been back eight times since, making life-long friends along the way.  He also spent time doing relief work in northern Sumatra after several natural disasters.

When home in CA, Kevin works with the Boys and Girls Club in LA helping with the We Care program as well as working with Environmental Charter Middle School in Inglewood, CA.  Now working at M3, a Herman Miller dealer in South Pasadena, Kevin is the service manager and has been in the contract furniture business for over 20 years.

Kevin has been married since 2006 to Lynsey McCarthy and they have a beautiful daughter named Sophia Grace.