The Transformative Power of Surf Therapy
Image by Lauren Hansgens
There’s something magical about the ocean. The waves, steady and rhythmic, offer a sense of calm for the soul. As a lifelong surfer, I’ve seen firsthand how the ocean is not just a place of recreation, but a powerful tool for healing. Whether you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or just feeling stuck, surf therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, build confidence, and embrace the present moment.
I’ve always known the ocean is my happy place. It’s been my source of happiness, play, and beauty. But it wasn’t until I took the Groundswell Community Project’s Surf Therapy for Trauma Recovery training that I realized the full potential of combining surfing and therapy for healing. Finding a way to merge my passion for the ocean with my career as a therapist was truly a dream come true.
Learning from and working under the supervision of Groundswell’s founder, Natalie Small, has been a transformative experience. It’s been incredible to see how surf therapy helps others process trauma, regulate their emotions, and find strength in their journey. And now, as a surf therapist, I’m honored to guide others through this healing process, just as the ocean has always guided me.
You don’t need to be an expert surfer to benefit from surf therapy. It’s for anyone—whether you’ve never touched a board or have been riding waves your entire life. Surf therapy helps you regulate your nervous system, feel your emotions, and build emotional resilience. It also deepens your connection to nature and fosters a sense of community.
What is Surf Therapy?
Surf therapy is an experience designed to improve mental and emotional well-being through the power of the ocean. It combines the physical activity of surfing with mindfulness, resilience-building, and the healing effects of nature. Surf therapy isn’t just about learning to ride waves; it’s about using the ocean as a space to process emotions, overcome fears, and develop self-trust.
The Benefits of Surf Therapy:
Nervous System Regulation
One of the most powerful aspects of surf therapy is how it helps regulate the nervous system. The sound of the waves, the salty air, and immersion in the water create a natural reset for your body. Surfing requires you to focus on the present, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The ocean’s rhythm offers a calming experience that helps bring balance to the nervous system. By syncing with the flow of the water, we allow ourselves to drop into a state of calm that promotes mental clarity and emotional peace.
Building Confidence & Resilience
Learning to surf is humbling—there’s more wiping out than catching waves, but with each fall, you get back up. This process builds resilience and confidence. Surf therapy teaches you to embrace challenges, both in the water and in life. Every wipeout becomes a lesson in perseverance, teaching you to keep trying and to believe in yourself. With each wave you conquer, big or small, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of overcoming obstacles, growing stronger with each ride.
Self-Love & Compassion
The ocean offers an invitation to take time for yourself—to be present, breathe deeply, and practice self-care. Surf therapy reminds us that self-love isn’t about perfection, but about showing up for ourselves, especially when things don’t go as planned. The ebb and flow of the ocean mirror the cycle of giving ourselves grace, no matter where we are in our journey. As we take time to nurture ourselves in nature, we learn to treat ourselves with the same compassion and patience we offer others.
Connection & Community
Surf therapy is also about connection. Whether you’re paddling out with fellow surfers or sharing the waves with a surf therapist, the ocean fosters a sense of community. It’s a space where people come together, support one another, and experience healing through nature. This sense of belonging extends beyond the surf session, creating a shared bond that encourages openness, trust, and collective growth in a nurturing environment.
Ready to Ride the Wave?
If you're looking for a way to build resilience, practice self-love, and connect with a supportive community, surf therapy could be just what you need. The ocean has a lot to teach us about patience, bouncing back, and letting go. So, are you ready to catch the wave of healing? Let’s paddle out together!
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Arielle Katz grew up in Rosarito, Baja California, where she learned to surf. She now lives in San Diego where she works as a therapist with Groundswell Community Project.