Programmes

Surf therapy is a method of intervention combining surfing/surf instruction with structured individual or group activities that promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being. Surf therapy is different from surfing.  Surf therapy takes a structured approach to surfing in order to achieve a therapeutic benefit.

Surf Therapy utilises the ocean for its mental health benefits, such as increasing self-efficacy, alleviating insomnia, and improving cognitive concentration.

Surf therapy is effective because it breaks down many of the traditional barriers which can prevent people from accessing the support they need. Surfing is a non-threatening, exciting and new challenge for someone – especially if they have never considered doing it or thought it isn’t possible for them. 

Surfing also forces you to be present in the moment, which is so healthy for your brain. When you’re out in the water surfing, your brain has no capacity to be stressed about things from the past, or worried about things in the future. Surfing hijacks the brain (in a good way) and says “you’re here surfing right now, focusing on this and thinking about absolutely nothing else!”. Research measuring brainwave activity has shown that our brain literally changes in healthy and positive ways when we catch a wave!

Surf therapy is currently being used all around the world and plays a significant role globally in improving peoples’ health and wellbeing.​​

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The Ocean Therapy Beach School programme partners with local authorities, schools and youth groups to deliver an innovative beach-based educational experience that combines surf therapy with academic qualifications. Students learn to surf while experiencing the mental and physical benefits of surfing and surf therapy, all within a unique outdoor learning environment that makes their studies directly relevant to real-world experiences and personal growth. Through this comprehensive programme, participants can work towards two nationally recognised qualifications: the BTEC Level 2 First Award in Personal Development and Wellbeing, which covers essential life skills including communication, teamwork, goal setting, and personal reflection through coursework and practical assessments; and the Agored Cymru Level 2 qualification in Working in the Outdoors, which provides comprehensive practical experience in coastal environments while developing knowledge and competencies in outdoor activity leadership, safety management, environmental awareness, and group facilitation skills needed for careers in outdoor education, environmental work, or adventure tourism.

Also known as Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Therapy, this adventure-based method has become increasingly popular over the years. 

WHY SUP THERAPY WORKS

When a therapist works with clients in a non-traditional setting like paddleboarding, the therapist gets an opportunity to observe how clients respond to their surroundings. If paddleboarding is a new experience for clients, they literally get to test the waters while they are trying to learn something new and overcome their anxiety at the same time. SUP Therapy, like other types of experiential therapy, builds confidence in individuals when they manage to achieve their goals and gain new skills. Listed below are just a few of the many benefits of Paddleboard Therapy:

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• Confidence boost

• Empowerment

• Increased physical and mental strength

• Relief from anxiety and stress

• Increased self-esteem

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In addition to our other programmes we aslo run regular, weekly surf clubs.

These include our:

• Over 50's Silver Surf Club

• Swansea Veterans Surf Club

• Swansea Veterans SUP club

• Young People's Summer Surf Club