LONG BEACH ISLAND – The ocean has a way of washing away the weight of the world – at least for a little while. That’s something Shane Brown understands deeply, and it’s why he’s turned the shorelines of Long Beach Island into a place of healing for families touched by loss and sacrifice.
Brown was never in the military. He didn’t serve in law enforcement or work as a firefighter or EMT. But the 54-year-old Tuckerton man grew up as the son of an Army veteran and says he’s always felt a deep respect for those who serve – and for the families left behind when tragedy strikes.
As he looked around the people he surfed with, Brown realized something significant. Many were retired troopers, veterans and first responders. And though he’d never worn a uniform himself, Brown wanted to do his part – by giving back to those who did.
That realization sparked the creation of SurfHogs, a nonprofit launched last year with a mission that’s both heartfelt and expansive. The organization supports children and surviving parents of military members, law enforcement, and first responders. Its reach also extends to veterans struggling with PTSD, older veterans in assisted living, single mothers, and families impacted by suicide.
First Waves, Lasting Impact
This summer, SurfHogs held its first-ever Survivor’s Retreat Week at Sun Retreats in Long Beach Island. The multi-day gathering brought together children and families for outdoor activities, bonding time, and surfing lessons held in Holgate.
Seven children participated in the experience, many of them connected to first responder families who also volunteered their time to help. Some families cooked meals, assisted with beach logistics, or simply offered their presence and encouragement.
Among the attendees was a young girl from Barnegat whose firefighter father died about a year ago. While she enjoyed the surf lessons and time with her best friend – who was invited to attend for extra comfort – her grief was still close to the surface.
Her mother asked that their names and pictures not be printed, explaining that seeing other families together – especially with both parents present – was emotionally difficult.
Brown honored the request, noting that SurfHogs’ purpose isn’t just about fun in the sun. It’s about acknowledging the complex emotions that come with loss and offering space, support, and love.
Remembering Sgt. Elwood Solomon
One family that was invited but unable to attend was that of Sgt. Elwood Solomon, a respected Egg Harbor City police officer who served for more than 30 years. Solomon responded to Ground Zero following 9/11 and later died from cancer believed to be linked to his time at the site.
He was the first African American officer in his department and a beloved figure in the community. He delivered six babies in the line of duty and famously jumped into a frozen lake to save a drowning child. He also organized car shows for charity and was known for treating everyone with fairness – even those he arrested.
SurfHogs had hoped to honor Solomon’s youngest son, Jayden, who was four when his father passed. Although Jayden and his mother Sally couldn’t attend this summer’s retreat due to illness, Brown said their family remains a key part of the SurfHogs mission. He hopes they’ll be part of a future trip.
A Granddaughter’s New Passion
Lisa and Larry Brown – no relation to Shane – were grateful to learn there was room for their three grandchildren to attend the retreat. Their family has not suffered a loss, but their son-in-law serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Parkertown Fire Company. The retreat gave their four-year-old grandson, Austin Peterse, a chance to enjoy time with his cousins: soon-to-be 12-year-old Antraya Richardson and eight-year-old Rana Alasha.
It was Antraya who quickly fell in love with surfing.
“She absolutely loved it,” said Lisa Brown. “We were so impressed that we went out and got her a surfboard – and we’ve already lined up more lessons for her. It was that powerful.”
Looking Ahead
Next up for SurfHogs is a planned fall retreat in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The multi-day trip will include educational and family-friendly activities like Amish buggy rides, a working farm visit, and a tour of Crystal Cave.
Brown hopes to welcome at least three families to the retreat and says he’s open to traveling families from other states. Whether by car or plane, SurfHogs is committed to making it work.
“If we need to fly them in, we’ll do it,” Brown said. “We just want these families to have a week to reconnect and feel cared for.”
Families interested in attending the October retreat are encouraged to reach out through surfhogs.org.
Community Power
Brown said the success of SurfHogs’ first Survivor’s Retreat would not have been possible without the support of local businesses. Brown expressed gratitude to partners including Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Mr. Tee’s Golf, Thundering Surf Water Park, and other LBI staples that donated services or opened their doors to SurfHogs families.
He’s also taken awareness on the road – literally. Brown now drives a patriotic tribute Jeep to festivals around the country, including the upcoming Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion in Tennessee. With more than 20,000 Jeeps and 50,000 attendees expected, he hopes to connect with new supporters and volunteers.
“We’re not trying to be like the big national charities,” said Brown. “We’re trying to create a small, personal, consistent connection that lasts beyond a single day.”
From his own childhood raised by a single mother in LBI, to now helping children build memories of joy after loss, Brown’s mission through SurfHogs is simple:
“We want these kids to grow up knowing they mattered,” he said. “That someone remembered them – not just once, but always.”
