Surf Therapy- Movement for Mental Health

By Maisie Jameson

What is surf therapy?

Surf therapy is a type of mental health intervention that uses surfing and the ocean environment to promote physical and psychological well-being. Through a combination of physical activity, connection to nature and trusted adult relationships, Surf Therapy builds confidence and resilience in a safe, non-clinical setting. It helps young people feel seen, supported, and empowered, often at a time when they feel most disconnected. What starts on the beach usually ripples outward, into school, home, friendships and the future.

Why do surf therapy?

Trauma lives in your nervous system, not just in your mind. Surfing facilitates a transition into a 'flowstate,' enabling your brain to shift from survival mode to a more adaptive state, thereby activating neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable capacity to rewire itself. Surfing has the potential to disrupt the negative cycles forged by trauma, drawing you into the present moment. In essence, surfing cultivates a state of enforced mindfulness, allowing for healing and transformation.

Burnout – Burnout triggers an overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. This leads to increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, being released into the bloodstream. Surfing pulls you out of survival mode. It allows you to focus on regulation through your movement and your breath.

Catalyse healing – surfing encourages you to enter a ‘flowstate’, a state of pure safety and peace, without negative or intrusive thoughts where your brain becomes more open to healing. It also promotes self-agency – one of the key ingredients for trauma healing through the reclaiming of your power over your body, mind and a situation. It teaches you it’s ok to try, to fail, to get back up again, try again, without judgement or consequences. It teaches your body it is safe, it can trust again, and that it can look forwards as well as backwards. This allows the brain to re-write its narrative around trauma.

Connection – surfing encourages community and connection. Trauma is lonely, surfing is connected. People cheering for you, celebrating the waves and wipeouts with you. Its playful nature helps break out of shutdowns caused by trauma.

Alignment of mind and body - Surf therapy provides a safe space for individuals to express and process emotions. The act of surfing can serve as a cathartic release, helping to align emotional experiences with physical movement. The physical demands of surfing—paddling, balancing, and riding waves—encourage individuals to engage their bodies fully. This physical activity promotes a sense of empowerment and bodily awareness, reinforcing the connection between mind and body. The rhythmic nature of the ocean and the act of surfing can induce relaxation and reduce stress. This calming effect helps to quiet the mind, allowing for a more harmonious relationship between mental and physical states.

Why is surf therapy important?

In the UK 1/5 struggle with their mental health every day. Right now, over half a million children and young people are waiting for support, and many won’t receive help until they reach a crisis point. We know that half of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 14, yet early intervention remains inaccessible to those who need it most.

70% of young people feel more resilient

70% of young people gain confidence

66% of young people feel calmer

52.5% developed more trust

Who are The Wave Project?

The Wave Project are a UK based charity committed to supporting the wellbeing of over 2,500 young people and their families each year through their award-winning surf therapy programs. They build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem in a safe, supportive environment where young people can explore their emotions and find inner strength. They work with more than 800 professional partners, so every participant is referred by a professional and has been identified as needing help with their mental health or emotional wellbeing. Many of these young people live in areas of high deprivation, where opportunities for safe, positive, community-based activities are limited. Others face challenges, including family breakdown, bereavement, bullying, neurodiversity, trauma, or discrimination. And while their circumstances vary, what they share is a need for meaningful connection, to themselves, to others and to a place where they feel they truly belong.

17 locations across the UK

1,395 active volunteers

2,558 beneficiaries supported

25,226 hours of direct support provided

Why am I involved in surf therapy?

The water has always been a place I have felt at home. It has always meant more to me than a form of exercise. I feel completely at peace in the water, especially in salt water. I want to be able to share a small part of that joy with people, particularly those that wouldn’t otherwise have access to the water. Whether we are up on a surfboard or dipping our toes, it is amazing to watch the young people embrace new challenges. Neurodiversity and mental health is very close to my heart, and it is a privilege to be able to create a completely judgement free space where young people feel empowered to be unapologetically themselves.