Going surfing is the best way to relax. It's no secret that surfing feels fantastic because of the simplicity and sense of escapism that comes with riding waves.The evidence for surfing's positive effects on mental health extends from curing depression and other mental diseases to boosting self-esteem and decreasing social isolation.
Going surfing is the best way to relax. It's no secret that surfing feels fantastic because of the simplicity and sense of escapism that comes with riding waves. Our exploratory research in kids and teens now adds to the mounting evidence that surfing is in fact beneficial to mental health. However, having a mental condition is not a requirement to get the benefits. Here's how you can improve your own mental health by utilising what we've discovered from our research.
How surfing is healthy
The evidence for surfing's positive effects on mental health extends from curing depression and other mental diseases to boosting self-esteem and decreasing social isolation.
The majority of this data originates from certain surf therapy initiatives. These incorporate one-on-one or group activities that boost psychosocial wellbeing with supportive surfing instruction.
The challenge of learning to surf in a secure setting is at the heart of the majority of these programmes.
Any advantages to mental health are believed to result from:
- a stronger feeling of social connection
- a sense of achievement that one can carry over to future endeavours.
- a break from daily tensions due to the intense concentration needed for surfing
- the body's reaction to surfing, which includes a drop in stress hormones and an increase in mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.
- working out in a natural setting, especially in "blue spaces" (on or near water).
How we acted
The goal of our pilot study was to determine whether the Ocean Mind surf therapy programme helped the mental health of children and adolescents.
Additionally, we were interested in finding out if participants approved of using surfing to deal with their mental health issues.
36 young individuals aged 8 to 18 who were seeking treatment for a neurodevelopmental impairment or a mental health issue, such as anxiety, participated in the study (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder). Their GP, school counsellor, or mental health professional recommended them.
Participants were either placed on a waitlist for the Ocean Mind surf therapy programme or assigned at random to it. In addition to their regular treatment, which included case management from a mental health professional, those assigned to surf therapy continued receiving it. The waitlisters (the control group) kept up with their customary care as well.
For six weeks, the surf therapy programme took place for two hours on weekends. A community mentor who had obtained training in mental health literacy and surf instruction was paired one-on-one with young people.
Each session comprised group mental health assistance and supportive surf training, both of which were held at the beach. The programme coordinator, who had received training in both teaching and mental health, oversaw the sessions.
What we uncovered
By the end of the six-week programme, those getting surf therapy reported lessened symptoms of anxiety, sadness, hyperactivity, and inattention, as well as fewer issues with their emotions and peers. This was contrasted with the control group, which experienced worsening of these symptoms.
Six weeks after the program's conclusion, any gains were not maintained.
Additionally, those undergoing surf therapy thought it was a good, kid-friendly method of treating mental illness symptoms. The high completion rates (87%), especially when compared to other mental health treatment techniques, further reinforced this. For instance, it has been noted that children and teenagers drop out of psychotherapy (talk therapy) at a rate of 28–75%.
It's still early.
These preliminary results are encouraging. However, because this was only a pilot study, additional studies including a bigger sample size are required to confirm these findings and determine whether they apply to a wider range of groups.
In terms of session frequency, length, and programme length, we want to determine the ideal surf therapy dosage.
To ensure that any favourable effects are maintained after the programme is over, we also need to identify the elements that sustain these initial improvements in mental health.
It is also encouraging that young people are beginning to see surfing as a potentially useful and popular mental health treatment. However, this study does not rule out the more common clinical therapies, including talk therapy and medication, which may be more effective for some patients.
Instead, surf therapy may be viewed as a supplement to these strategies or as an option for those who do not respond well to more conventional treatments.
Want to give surfing a try?
If you believe that surfing might be for you, keep in mind:
- Because of the constantly changing ocean conditions, surfing needs whole concentration, making it a perfect method to escape from daily life and eliminate the effects of stress.
- For some people, surfing may make it easier for them to access mental health services.
- Surfing might not be for everyone, and it can't promise to make your symptoms go away. Even the finest surfers might experience depression and may need outside assistance.
- don't worry if you can't use a surfboard or get to the ocean. Hiking and gardening are two more outdoor hobbies that are good for your mental health.
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