What Is Surf Therapy?
Surf therapy is an innovative mental health approach that combines the healing power of the ocean, the support of a mental health professional and the natural therapeutic benefits of surfing. It is increasingly being recognized as a powerful healing modality for people from all walks of life, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress. Luckily, I'm one of the first surf therapy providers in Canada!
Benefits of Surf Therapy
The ocean and other bodies of water are known to be inherently calming. This has given way to the term "blue space" and a whole field of research has started to capture the benefits of being near water. These benefits include: lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone), enhance mood, and an increased sense of connection to something greater than oneself.
More specifically, A study published in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning found that participants in surf therapy programs reported significant reductions in psychological distress and increased feelings of well-being. Similarly, a report from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that ocean-based activities like surfing can enhance emotional regulation, improve social skills, and build resilience.
Key Components of Surf Therapy:
Surf therapy programs are typically facilitated by trained professionals who combine elements of traditional talk therapy with surfing instruction. There are a few key components of surf therapy that deliver the positive outcomes:
water as a natural healer: as noted above, just being near the water naturally lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, enhances mood and contributes to a sense of connection
mental health professional: the mental health professional creates a supportive environment for you to to be vulnerable and navigate your fears. They'll also help you gain insight about how what you experience in the water can relate to your general life
physical activity: surfing is physical, even if its just standing in the ocean, which releases lots of yummy endorphins! The act of paddling, catching waves, and balancing on a surfboard engages the body and mind in a way that is both grounding and exhilarating, helping to break cycles of rumination/negative thinking, and get people back in their bodies!
mastery: improving surf skills (whatever that looks like for you!) and learning to navigate the ocean helps people feel more empowered in themselves and their bodies, feelings we can all use on land!
community: if done in a group setting, surf therapy provides people with the opportunity to build authentic connections with others and increase their sense of belonging
connection to place: the feeling of connection to a place that results from surfing fosters a sense of belonging, stability, and identity, which are desperately missing from modern society. It also encourages mindfulness, strengthens community bonds, and enhances both physical and mental health by promoting a deeper connection to nature and the environment.
Leading a Surf Therapy group session!
Who Can Benefit from Surf Therapy?
Surf therapy is a versatile approach that can benefit a wide range of individuals, including:
Those experiencing mental health challenges: Surf therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. For example, a study by the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology revealed that veterans participating in surf therapy experienced improved mood, reduced symptoms of PTSD, and greater overall life satisfaction.
Youth and adolescents: Programs designed for young people can build self-esteem, teach coping skills, and provide a healthy outlet for emotions. Research from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Journal indicated that surf therapy can be especially effective in helping youth build resilience and reduce stress.
Veterans and first responders: Many programs cater to individuals dealing with trauma or high-stress roles, offering a safe space to heal and decompress.
Anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature and themselves: You don’t need to be struggling to benefit from the sense of joy, freedom, and empowerment that surf therapy can provide.
Surf Therapy in BC, Canada
After doing a two-month internship in Peru and an online training, it's been my passion to bring surf therapy to Canada! I offer individual surf therapy sessions, group programming and retreats. Most recently, I had the honour of doing a workshop with the mułaa program near Tofino, which is an indigenous led surf-based program to support youth with spending time in the ocean and connecting to nature.
Ready to Ride the Wave?
If you’re curious about surf therapy and how it might support your journey, I’d love to connect. Book a free consult with me today! Whether you’re looking to overcome specific challenges or simply want to experience the joy of being in the ocean, surf therapy could be the perfect fit for you. Surf therapy in Canada is accessible and transformative—explore the possibilities today!
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