About Us
Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports — empowering wounded warriors through adaptive adventure since 2007.
Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports (SUDS)
SUDS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists solely through charitable donations. We are listed under the Combined Federal Campaign – National Capital Area as CFC # 94754.
Established in 2007, SUDS was started at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC, where our first SUDS scuba class was offered to wounded warriors beginning their recovery.
The SUDS program is for service members wounded, ill and injured with a permanent physical disability requiring adaptation. The training offered is a challenging and rewarding activity which can help facilitate the rehabilitation process and offers participants an activity they can enjoy for years to come.
National Capital Area — CFC # 94754
Started at Walter Reed — Touching Lives Since 2007
In 2007 SUDS ran its first class at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. Few knew at the time that it would touch so many lives. What began as a scuba diving program for recovering servicemembers has grown into a multi-sport adaptive organization serving wounded warriors across the country.
The program is designed to help improve the lives of our injured service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. SUDS offers scuba certification programs through Scuba Diving International (SDI), run by a dedicated staff of volunteers who are passionate about helping injured servicemembers and about the sport of diving.
SUDS operates on low administrative overhead, receives pro bono legal counsel, and its board members are all prior or current military. SUDS has regular audits and posts its financial filings on this site.
View Audited Financials →"We are grateful for the contributions we have received from the many donors across the country — our mission would just not be possible without you!"
Who SUDS Serves
SUDS is for service members wounded, ill and injured with a permanent physical disability requiring adaptation.
Our Participants
Active duty and veteran service members with permanent physical disabilities sustained during military service, particularly from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rehabilitation Focus
Challenging and rewarding adaptive sports activities that facilitate the rehabilitation process and promote long-term mobility and mental wellness.
Certified Programs
Scuba certification through Scuba Diving International (SDI) along with guided adaptive hiking, rock climbing, rafting and skiing experiences.
Volunteer-Run
Our dedicated staff of volunteers are passionate about helping injured service members. Board members are all prior or current military personnel.
About the Organization Name
"SUDS" is the trademark and registered trade name of the "Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports" program. The name SUDS is not a generic term to describe any adaptive SCUBA program.
While there are other programs that offer SCUBA to injured veterans, they are unrelated activities and should not operate under the program name "SUDS". Furthermore, any other like organization using the name SUDS, or referring to their operation as a "SUDS-like" organization but operating outside of these installations, is unrelated to the Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports program.
SUDS is a Member of MOVE UNITED
MOVE UNITED is the national governing body for adaptive sports in the United States, empowering people with physical disabilities to achieve independence through sport. SUDS is proud to operate under their umbrella and uphold their standards.
Visit MOVE UNITED →SUDS Enters Its 19th Year of Service — 2026 Season Open
In 2025, SUDS served 138 servicemembers across 47 events in 12 locations with a 93¢ program efficiency ratio. For 2026, the program expands with two new Caribbean dive destinations and a live sports coverage initiative for every major trip.