The Many Mental Health Benefits of Surf Therapy

Finding Balance By Surfing

Surf therapy can improve your overall health in a variety of ways.³ At Maui Recovery, for instance, you can use surf therapy to treat both addiction and mental health.⁴ Their experts believe that “the physical challenges of surfing parallel the emotional and mental processes that each client has long avoided. For those who are removing themselves from alcohol and drug addiction, surfing is a metaphor for balance, and it allows clients to think outside the box as they learn how to balance their internal processes.” Surf therapy promotes that balance by addressing several aspects of your health.

Spending Time in Nature is Healing

Data shows that doing sports and other activities near bodies of water⁵ improves mental health. These “blue spaces” can help you feel calmer, especially if you actually go out on the water. In one study, teens even said that activities like canoeing and surfing helped them build stronger relationships.

Social Support

Social connection is a core component of surf therapy programs.³ During surfing lessons, participants often lean on each other for emotional support. This mutual encouragement can help you feel a sense of belonging.

In another study, clients said they felt safe during surf therapy sessions because they trusted their instructors. With expert support, they had “the opportunity to try something new without fear, harm, or ridicule.” That sense of safety can interrupt some of the thought patterns that result from trauma. And when you feel safe, you can work through triggers and practice emotion regulation.

Mindfulness

“We are like the ocean, and the waves are the emotions that move through us,” surf therapy facilitator Kelsey Ellis² explains. “All you want to do is push those waves away, but when you’re surfing, you can’t do that. You really have to be fully present when you’re in the water, and notice the waves that are coming towards you.”

In a word, she’s describing mindfulness. This is a key component of many addiction programs. Mindfulness teaches you to pay attention⁶ “on purpose” and to be more aware of the present moment. You learn to let experiences happen, without judging yourself or your feelings. Practicing mindfulness can even minimize symptoms of depression and anxiety.

New Activities Can Improve Brain Health

Research shows that trying new things improves well-being. This is especially important for people in recovery. Neuroscientist Suzette Glasner-Edwards⁷ says that “people with the most success in staying sober tend to get involved in a range of pleasurable activities and do them frequently.”

Healthy hobbies can take the place of drug and alcohol use. When you learn new skills, you form new neural connections. By learning and doing things you enjoy, you can literally rewire your brain. Activities like surfing can trigger the same internal reward system as drug use. And 1 of those 2 behaviors is far healthier—and far more sustainable. 

Surfing Benefits Physical Health

Surfing also has a positive impact on physical health.⁸ This strenuous sport can help you get strong. You’ll be paddling, swimming, and working on your core strength while you balance on the surfboard. Research shows that most surfers have these physical traits:

• high heart, lung, and muscle fitness
• good muscular endurance
• increased strength, especially in the upper body

This is more than a side benefit. Experts agree that physical fitness can help with addiction recovery.⁹ However, this may be a barrier for some clients. If you have certain physical health issues, you might not be a candidate for surf therapy. But depending on your condition, you may be able to start it a little later on in treatment. 

Who Can Benefit From Surf Therapy?

If your physical health permits it, you can probably benefit from this type of treatment. Data shows that surf therapy can improve mental health¹⁰ for many populations, including the following: 

• veterans
• disabled people
• teens and young adults
• adults in addiction recovery

Surfing can decrease the symptoms of PTSD, improve mindfulness, and boost self-esteem. It can also foster a greater mind-body connection. These common goals might resonate with clients of many different backgrounds.

Riding the Wave to Addiction Recovery

Recovery isn’t only about doing hard work. It’s also a time to find new and meaningful activities that you enjoy—while sober. If you enjoy surf therapy, it might even turn into a lifelong hobby. 

Surfing is also a great way to meet new people. The surfing community has a reputation for being strong, supportive, and tight-knit. These relationships can give you something to look forward to, in every stage of recovery. They can also hold you accountable, and keep you focused on your healing goals.
Learn more about rehab centers that offer surf therapy, including their locations, treatment philosophies, and additional experiential therapies.