Surfing might not be the first thing that comes to mind on a cold January night, but for one nonprofit looking to expand its reach into New Jersey, it was surfing for the mind.

Saturday night at American Dream’s Skudin Surf wave pool marked the first event for the nonprofit AlphaWave Project. The team - led by United States military veterans - aims to reduce suicide and isolation among veterans through activities.

“We want to serve the veteran and first responder community through providing connections and meaningful experiences for them,” said President/CEO Kelly Grunke. “I think that’s where the magic happens, is making those connections with all these people.”

The group's first event was completly booked from beginners to experts.

There’s an extra meaning in the name. Group activities like surfing encourage Alpha brain wave activity - which reduces stress and promotes mental well-being.

“Surfing is such a good activity,” said operations director Kyle Rodgers. “When you’re in the water, you’re connected with nature, you’re sharing an experience with those around you, and you’re disconnected -- you don’t have your cellphone on you, you’re not standing in front of a screen. It’s you, the water, the waves, and the folks that are around you.”

AlphaWave has teams set up around the country, but New Jersey - home of the world’s largest indoor surfing wave pool - was an easy choice for the kickoff. The group is also planning future events in the Garden State.