The Secrets of Surf Therapy

Have you ever considered spending a day at the beach to be therapeutic? Many people are now investigating the benefits of combining the healing elements of the ocean with the adventure and physical stimulation of surfing into a newly found therapy called “Surf Therapy”.

Surf Therapy is an organised program ranging from 6-8 weeks that combines both surfing and structured activities to promote physical, psychological, and social wellbeing (International Surf Therapy Organisation 2020). Surf Therapy is having a huge positive impact on participants all over the world. In fact, in October 2017 the International Surf Therapy Organisation was founded with representatives from around the world, to promote and grow the surf therapy movement (International Surf Therapy Organisation 2020). Research shows Surf Therapy has the ability to support not only physical growth and rehabilitation, but has also demonstrated positive impacts on participants mental health and wellbeing (Armitano et al. 2015; Stuhl and Porter 2015; Godfrey Devine-Wright and Taylor 2015).

Research has shown Surf Therapy can have huge benefits for people living with a disability, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By incorporating the physical component of surfing with the social component of learning a new skill, plus being in a social group environment, participants have made strides in their physical strength, flexibility, and endurance (Armitano et al. 2015; Stuhl and Porter 2015). As well as developing other important skills such as social trust, resilience, empathy, responsibility, making friendships and increasing communication through excitement and sharing of experiences (Armitano et al. 2015; Stuhl and Porter 2015). In addition, participants may also experience an increase in self confidence and self-esteem, and a decrease in anxiety as well as an increase in motivation for physical activity and an increased enjoyment in spending time outdoors (Armitano et al. 2015; Stuhl and Porter 2015).

Not only can Surf Therapy have positive physical benefits for the body, but research suggests it can also have a positive impact on its participants mental health and wellbeing (Godfrey Godfrey, Devine-Wright and Taylor 2015). A research study found after taking part in a structured surfing course, 96% of participants stated they felt better by feeling happier, having fun, and making friends (Godfrey, Devine-Wright and Taylor 2015). Mental health and wellbeing is promoted in Surf Therapy through participating in such a physically challenging activity, and sharing the experience of this with other people, in a supported, friendly and most of all, fun environment. The ocean can have such a calming effect on people and this decrease in anxiety truly helps participants to relax and enjoy the experience. Increased wellbeing from Surf Therapy can create positive impacts on family life, behaviour and even achievement at school (Godfrey, Devine-Wright and Taylor 2015) as well.

Surf Therapy is a growing field and there is still so much we have to learn about the healing benefits of the ocean. However, as you can see it is already having such a positive impact on people and children all over the world in relation to both their physical AND mental wellbeing. I for one cannot wait to see where it goes next!

Armitano, C, Clapham, E, Lamont, L, & Audette, J 2015, ‘Benefits of Surfing for
Children with Disabilities: A Pilot Study’, Palaestra, vol. 29, pp. 31-34.

Godfrey, C, Devine-Wright, H, & Taylor, J 2015, ‘The positive impact of structured
surfing courses on the wellbeing of vulnerable young people’, Community practitioner: the journal of the Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association, vol. 88, no. 1, pp. 26.

International Surf Therapy Organisation, 2020, ‘Home page’, <https://intlsurftherapy.org/>, accessed on 6th May 2020.

Stuhl, A, and Porter, H 2015, ‘Riding the Waves: Therapeutic Surfing to Improve Social
Skills for Children with Autism’, Therapeutic Recreation Journal, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 253-256