Surfing, Mental Health & You

This has long been widely discussed as something most people would do for fun but people have always wondered why surfers are so chilled. There have actually been studies into the mental aspects of surfing that have given conclusive proof that surfing is beneficial for mental health so much so that even substance abuse and mental health services administration in some parts of the world have even opened up programs to use surfing as a way of therapy.

Surfing & Mental Health – Anxiety Reliever

Just being at the seaside is enough to alleviate some anxieties. The sound of the waves, the release of ions and the serene environment are just a few aspects that adds to the meditative qualities of going surfing. Then you add the feeling of being stoked (the feeling surfers get after riding a few waves) which basically breaks down the stress and anxiety one might have. Like any sports, maybe even more so it helps with the releases of of adrenaline and endorphins that give off a feeling of well-being in a person that helps them to cope better with stress-related situations. The concentration and the thorough enjoyment that is put into catching waves helps a person relieve their mind off problems which in turn relieve anxiety. There has even been studies on army veterans on how surfing and the its’ environment has helped them with PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which is most prevalent in such ones after severe war trauma. The effects of a good surfing session always sticks around with you for sometime even after you return from the sea.

Surfing, Mechanism to Cope with Depression

Apart from the adrenaline and endorphin, it also releases serotonin and dopamine which are hormones synonymous with relieving depression. Helping release these chemicals in your body naturally without having to turn to medication. Most medication for Post Traumatic Stress, Dipolar, Depression and Schizophrenia have always been to control the input/output or of hormones (technically there is no permanent cure for mental illness), coupled with surfing it will help a patient cope and as mentioned also the natural release of such hormones. There have been studies written about how surfing fights depression and actually quite a few articles on how surfing improves mental health. Remember in an earlier article surfers say that surfing is “better than sex”? That may help with substance abuse as well. As with most addictions, patients find it hard to quit, but surfing offers a natural outlet for addicts to work on and gain their ‘fix’ instead of turning to drugs. In fact which I will mention a little later some substance abuse and mental health services administrations have incorporated surfing into their therapy as a regiment.

Emotional Benefits of Surfing

Maybe there has been a trauma or something that you prefer not to talk about, just the effects of of going out surfing puts your mind  into the bigger picture of the waves itself and that feeling really also helps a person cope as well. Most surfers are relaxed and carefree, perhaps this comes from a mutual understanding during a surf session that they start looking at the bigger picture in their life or just the majesty of the waves leaves them in awe. You find it easier to cope with life’s problems and overcome them in the long run. Some have even touted a surfing religion, though it is no way a replacement for religion itself, but it goes a long way in being one with nature that is hard to describe.

Interesting Programs Around the World

Here are some interesting programs that are happening around the world at this moment that incorporate surfing as part of their therapy. I will also link a few here for readers to check out as each is quite interesting:

• Surfers Not Children – this one I have mentioned in a previous article, they basically help street children in Durban South Africa get back on their feet with surfing. Most street children turn to substance abuse when they find life hard, surfing helps replace that with more constructive approach.
• OneWave – founder himself was diagnosed with bopolar disorder and after a bit of self discovery decided to hep others with their mental health with the power of surfing, located in Sydney Australia.
• Saltwater Sessions – located in Los Angeles USA, they seem to run a 8 week therapy program for improving mental health.
• Surfers Healing – also located in California USA they help children who have autism try cope with the power of surfing. I think the founders also have a child with autism which was why this was set up.
• The Wave Project – this is scattered across the UK, they are a non-profit organization that help people cope with anxiety through surfing.
• A Walk on Water – also a non profit organization from California that encourages surf therapy for individuals with special needs.
• Naval Medical Center in Sand Diego USA even offers surf clinics in their many regiments of mental  health therapies.

I am actually very positive there is more out there just to name a few. There was one South America organization which read awhile ago but can not find. Feel free to add more suggestions on the comment below or on social groups so I can add more to the list or even go visit some.

What It Means for You

As a reader what can you glean from this information? Well, most coping with mental health might even not be searching for such services, but 1 thing is for sure surfing helps people improve their mental health. It helps the body, soul and mind of a person. It does not have to be monstrous barrels; the waves can even be knee-high, the sheer love of surfing and the concentration needed surely has some long term effects on your health in general. Most readers who have never tried surfing should try it, and maybe even plan a surf trip. Next time on a vacation maybe plan surfing as something you would like to include in your things to do, especially for fun and especially if the doctor recommends rest and relaxation from your busy work schedule. Find a place to try it out and enjoy the waves it will help in the long run.

Disclaimer: I endorse surfing though I do not endorse any particular medical practice. If required it is best to find a trained medical professional near you.