In 1967, Larry Martin, a 22 year old Navy seaman from Florida arrived at the Da Nang waterfront for 4 days of recuperative rest. Befriending the lifeguards, Martin was able to gain access to one of the 6 “rescue” boards for his own personal use. Realising the potential benefits, Martin obtained permission from superior officers to organise a surf therapy refuge for soldiers returning from the front line. “China Beach Club” as it went on to be known offered a place for rest and distraction, allowing service men and women a brief disconnect from the conflict in land.