What is Surf Therapy?
Surf therapy is a defined as a ‘structured intervention which utilises surfing as a vehicle to achieve therapeutic benefit’.
What are the health benefits of surf therapy?
Surf therapy has documented physiological benefits. US research published in the Disability and Health Journal demonstrated that 71 children with disabilities who engaged in an 8-week surfing intervention program displayed statistical improvements in core strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, total body fat and bone mineral density.
The psychological benefits of surf therapy was observed in a study of military veterans. This research showed that anxiety, depression was reduced and that positive affect improved following a 6-week surfing program. A Portuguese study also found similar psycho-social benefits within adolescents, who reported improved social competencies, problem-solving and emotional regulation following a structured surf therapy program.
A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural spaces published in the Clinical Psychology Review journal noted that outdoor therapy ‘was effective not only in connecting clients with the natural world, but also through enriching the therapeutic encounter’.
Australian surf therapy study
Researchers from Deakin University published a study on an Australian surf therapy program with the aims of investigating, ‘potential therapeutic pathways and barriers to participation in a surf therapy program for youth at risk of mental health problems from the perspective of participants, surf mentors and program coordinator’.
Ocean Mind is a 6-week program delivered weekly in 2-hour blocks on a weekend. Led by mentors and a surf instructor, the program utilises surfing as an opportunity ‘for mastery experiences in the face of challenge, [which] will lead to the development of important protective factors from mental health problems (e.g., increased self-efficacy, interpersonal skills)’.
Using purposive sampling, researchers recruited participants who had been referred to the Ocean Mind program by a mental health professional.
Surf therapy study participants
The study included a total of 19 participants which included; 9 youths, 9 mentors and the Ocean Mind program coordinator (male).
The youth participant demographics were-
- 5 male and 4 female.
- Presenting problem: ASD (2), ADHD (1), Family trauma (2), Disengaged from family (2), Anxiety (2), Depression (2), Intellectual disability (1), Social isolation (2).
- 8 were living within the family home and one youth participant was in foster care.
The mentor participant demographics were-
- 5 male and 4 female.
- Highest education level: Year 12/equivalent (1), Vocational education (2), Undergraduate degree (4), Postgraduate degree (2).
The researchers conducted semi-structured focus groups and follow-up interviews with the participants.
Surf therapy study results
Following interviews with the youth and mentor participants, the researchers were able to identify 6 themes. 3 themes spoke to potential therapeutic pathways, 2 related to potential barriers and one theme was ‘conceptualised as both a potential therapeutic pathway and barrier’. All quotes below have been taken verbatim from the original research manuscript.
Theme 1: Interpersonal skills
This theme encompassed the strengthening of interpersonal skills as a result of attending the program. As one mentor observed,
“There was a dramatic change because he was very, non-communicative in the early days with other kids, with me. By, I think the third session, he started to loosen up, enjoying participant X and X’s company and others. Particularly the socialising from session three that was fantastic, enjoying X and X’s company made a huge difference. At the beginning, he would freeze up a bit with the other kids or just ignore them but now he was listening to them and chatting with them.”
A 12-year-old male participant similarly acknowledged this,
“I was actually interacting with the group. At the start I found that hard to do. It was a bit hard.”
Theme 2: Self-efficacy
By learning a new and challenging skill (learning to surf) with the necessary supports to succeed in this activity- participants experienced pride and accomplishment in their achievements,
“Initially I wasn’t having fun when surfing because I was getting thrown off the surfboard, but by the end I was proud that I could stand up for quite a long time, and I didn’t think I’d be able to do that.”
“After learning how to surf, I discovered that I was quite good at things (outside of the Ocean Mind program) when I put my mind to it.”
A key factor in the development of youth participants self-efficacy was social persuasion. This aspect speaks to the role mentors play in encouraging self-belief within the young people. One 13-year-old male explained this important aspect,
“Yeah, whenever I caught a wave, she cheered me on and if I didn’t really get one, she would be like, that’s fine try again you’ll get it. So I just kept trying.”
Theme 3: Forming a mentorship
Mentorship was a major aspect of the therapeutic intervention that surf therapy provided to young people. One 18-year-old young man reflected,
“He was understanding there was like one session where I didn’t want to surf but we just went a grabbed a coffee and talked which was good. I didn’t feel pushed or like a letdown. I could just be me.”
Theme 4: Natural environment
Within this theme, the concepts of ‘affective regulator’, ‘cognitive benefits’ and ‘weather’ were encompassed. The natural environment was viewed by participants in this study both as a positive and also as a barrier to engagement.
As an affective regulator, the natural environment moderated negative feelings,
“Anger wise I was able to cool down quickly when in the ocean.”
The cognitive benefits which developed as a result of being in the natural environment often counted negative thoughts and emotions according to participants,
“After the program I wasn’t being so negative about doing something I hadn’t done before and found myself actually enjoying new experiences.”
Inclement weather conditions could be a barrier at times,
“…with the weather conditions and how long we play, how long we get in the wet suits. You can tell when the kids are getting a little bit agitated and want to get it in.”
Theme 5: Surf instruction techniques
At times, participants reported that mentors surfing techniques weren’t correct which affected their ability to surf correctly,
“Yeah my mentor got his arm stuck in my leg rope and it made me go over the front of my surfboard when I was trying to stand up.”
Theme 6: Family engagement
In some cases, the participants family, carers or guardians weren’t engaged in the surf program, which would result in non-attendance of youth participants,
“The young person just sort of missed a few sessions, from not being able get in contact with the participant’s guardian, who the participant lives with, and them just avoiding phone calls and hanging up.”
If family members did involve themselves and buy-in was met, then positive outcomes were reported,
“I’ve interacted with several different parents now and the first ones, they just never saw them, never heard from them, kids only at Ocean Mind twice…it just didn’t work very well. This time it was the complete opposite. Dad was involved all the time, it felt really good and X (youth participant) was really engaged.”
Surf therapy study conclusions
The researchers concluded their study into surf therapy by noting that; ‘our results highlight the potentially beneficial aspects of surf therapy for promoting protective factors associated with mental health disorders in young people’.
The identification of barriers to youth participation within this surf therapy course, could help facilitate future pathways and tailored surf therapy interventions.
Expert Opinion: Rachael Parker, Founder & CEO of Ocean Mind
Surf therapy is truly unique in its ability to create a profound impact on mental health and well-being. As the CEO of Ocean Mind, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the ocean for the young people we work with.
The saying “Only a surfer knows the feeling” perfectly captures the essence of surf therapy. When you’re out in the ocean, you are naturally pulled into a state of mindfulness. The waves demand your attention, and if your mind drifts, the ocean gently brings you back into the present moment.
What makes surfing so special is that it’s one of the few environments where modern distractions simply don’t exist. There’s no scrolling or checking notifications in the line-up – it’s just you, the waves, and the people around you. This escape from our constant connectivity creates a space where people can truly connect with themselves and others.
Surfing combines elements that make it an ideal activity for supporting mental health. It’s a social sport, offering a sense of community, yet it also provides space for solitude when needed. The results we’ve seen through our Ocean Mind programmes are profound. Each participant takes away something personal from their time in the water, whether it’s a connection to the ocean, bonding with peers, or the support of their mentors.
Research is still emerging, but what we’re seeing, and what the evidence is now beginning to confirm, is that surf therapy leads to long-lasting positive changes. It’s not just about the thrill of catching waves – it’s about building resilience, confidence, and mental clarity in a way that traditional therapies often can’t match.
Surf therapy is making a real, measurable difference in the lives of the young people we work with, and we’re just beginning to understand the full scope of its benefits.
