If you find the ocean as peaceful as you do exciting, it may not surprise you much to learn that ocean-based activities, like surfing, have long been described as therapeutic. Only in recent years have experts (read “The Blue Mind) started to explore the mental health benefits of surf therapy.
In a nutshell, surf therapy involves using the principles of surfing to benefit mental health.
During a surf therapy session, you’ll learn to use a surfboard to ride waves, which might feel exciting and fun. But this therapeutic exercise can also help you build confidence, relax, and move your body.
If you haven’t spent much time by the ocean, surf therapy may offer the added benefit of a completely different therapy environment.
What does Surf Therapy involve?
Surf therapy involves the use of surfing, the therapeutic elements of the ocean, and structured water activities tailored to each individual’s needs. Once the person has joined a surf therapy program, they can work with a surf instructor, who may have expertise in mental health and other disabilities. A surf instructor can adapt the surfing sessions to meet the needs of the individual or a group of individuals. They can help participants work within their boundaries toward their personal goals.
Mental Health Benefits of Surfing
A 2022 analysis of surf therapy suggests that the benefits of surf therapy include improvement in:
- specific symptoms, such as depression and PTSD
- social skills
- confidence
- trust
- mobility and physical health
- overall mental health
- coping skills
- resilience
- independence
Surfing and mental health are interrelated in the following ways:
Connection with nature: Connecting with nature is a powerful experience that is one of the primary benefits of surfing on mental health. Surf therapy allows individuals to immerse themselves in the natural environment while rebuilding their lives.
Emotional processing: Surf therapy involves processing emotions while engaging in surfing activities. Participants can connect with their feelings, interact with others, and explore recovery from a fresh perspective. By combining therapy with the unique environment of surfing, individuals can gain new insights and approaches to their recovery journey.
Accessibility: You do not need to be experienced to reap the benefits of surfing. Even beginners or those with no prior experience can participate in surfing for mental health. Surf therapy programs cater to individuals of all skill levels, providing a supportive environment for learning and growth. Overcoming the fear of the ocean and trying something new can be an empowering component of the healing process.
Learning and community: Surf therapy programs often begin with learning the basics of surfing. Instructors ensure participants are prepared before entering the water. Small group settings allow for bonding and support among peers. Community and mutual encouragement play a significant role in surf therapy, fostering a sense of belonging and shared progress.
Nature’s healing power: Engaging in water sports near bodies of water – known as blue spaces – has been shown to improve mental health. Activities like surfing or canoeing can induce a sense of calmness and strengthen relationships. Spending time in nature, especially in the water, provides a healing environment that can positively impact mental well-being.
Flow state and Mindfulness: Surfing requires being fully present in the moment, observing and navigating the waves. This state of mindfulness is a key component of many addiction programs and mental health therapies. This state of intense focus and engagement, often referred to as a flow state, promotes mindfulness. Surf therapy encourages individuals to cultivate mindfulness, paying attention to their experiences without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and enhance overall well-being.
Neuroplasticity & brain health: Engaging in new activities is beneficial for brain health and overall well-being. Trying new experiences like surfing helps create new neural connections, contributing to brain rewiring. By replacing harmful habits with healthy hobbies, individuals in recovery can strengthen their resilience and improve their chances of sustained sobriety.
Stress reduction: Engaging in physical activity like paddling and riding waves releases endorphins and triggers the body’s relaxation response. Surfing provides a natural outlet for stress relief, helping individuals to unwind, clear their minds, and experience a sense of tranquility. The combination of physical exertion, the soothing sound of the ocean, and the connection with nature contributes to stress reduction.
Emotional regulation: Surfing involves navigating the ever-changing waves, which can mirror the ebb and flow of emotions. As individuals ride the waves, they learn to adapt, stay balanced, and regulate their emotions in response to the dynamic environment. This process of emotional regulation on the surfboard can translate into better coping skills and emotional resilience in daily life.
Boost in self-esteem and confidence: Mastering the art of surfing, even in its simplest form, instills a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. Overcoming challenges in the water, such as catching a wave or improving balance, fosters a positive self-image and self-belief. This newfound confidence can extend beyond the surfboard and positively impact various aspects of life.
Emotional release and catharsis: The physicality and exhilaration of catching waves can provide an outlet for emotional release and catharsis. Surfing allows individuals to channel their emotions into the powerful energy of the ocean, providing a healthy means of expression. The combination of physical exertion, adrenaline, and the natural beauty of the surroundings can create a cathartic experience that aids in emotional healing. Increased resilience: Surfing inherently involves dealing with uncertainties, setbacks, and the need to persevere. Overcoming wipeouts, facing challenging conditions, and persisting in the pursuit of catching waves builds resilience. The resilience developed through surfing can translate into other areas of life, helping individuals navigate the ups and downs of recovery and face challenges with greater strength and determination.
Opportunity to unplug from electronics: Surfing requires that you tune in to your body and pay close attention to the movement of the waves. This act of engaging in the present moment and focusing on what’s happening around you can promote mindfulness, which may help ease feelings of tension and stress, and foster a sense of calm.
Promotes environmental awareness: Spending time in natural environments, like the ocean, doesn’t just benefit mental health and overall well-being. It may also prompt a deeper appreciation for the ocean, including its creatures and ecosystems.
Physical fitness: Surfing is a physically demanding sport that delivers myriad health benefits. It improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical well-being. Incorporating physical activity like surfing into addiction recovery can have positive effects on the body and mind, supporting the recovery process.
Sense of freedom and joy: Riding a wave can evoke a profound sense of freedom, exhilaration, and joy. The experience of gliding across the water, in harmony with nature’s forces, can create moments of pure bliss. Surfing provides a unique form of escapism and a break from everyday stressors, promoting emotional well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life.
By engaging in the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of surfing, individuals can experience a multitude of mental health benefits. Whether it’s finding solace in the ocean, connecting with a supportive community, or developing skills that extend beyond the surfboard, surfing has the potential to positively impact mental well-being and contribute to a fulfilling recovery journey.
Contact us to schedule your surf therapy session! Let’s get out in the water !