Expect the unexpected - it's kind of exciting!

GREAT WAVES, GOOD TIMES

Surf therapy offers a uniquely holistic approach to improving mental health, combining the physical challenge of surfing with the healing energy of the ocean. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD while boosting resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being across various populations, especially youth and veterans.

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I learnt to take things one step at a time

I offer one‑to‑one support under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation, helping people ease back into life through everyday activities, adventure, and—when it feels right—the ocean.
In 2008 I acquired a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted, and life changed very suddenly. The first year was extremely hard: my memory was almost gone, and things that used to feel simple became confusing and exhausting. I was advised to give up on study and accept that this was just how life would be from now on.
I didn’t want to stop there. I started slowly rebuilding, learning about neuroplasticity, reading, and finding small ways to exercise my brain each day. A big turning point came when a surf school owner offered me a job, fully aware that I had some limitations. Working there helped me regain confidence, and over time I finished my studies and later returned to university to complete a Master of Counselling.
I still live with some ongoing effects, such as debilitating migraines and short‑term memory difficulties when I’m tired, so I don’t take any of this for granted. I remember the depression, the self‑blame for what happened, and the times when life felt so overwhelming that it was hard to see a future at all, so I know how heavy that place can be. Over time, the ocean became a gentle teacher—every wave felt like a small new beginning, a chance to start again for a few seconds at a time. Like me, your story is still being written, continuing one wave at a time.
I’ve been a surfing instructor for almost 15 years, and the ocean has been an important part of my own recovery. My hope now is to support others as they build a life that feels more connected, meaningful and maybe a little adventurous—whether that’s getting back in the water, joining local activities, or simply having someone there while they “just get wet” and take the next small step.

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What do you need?

Surf therapy’s impact extends beyond the individual. It nurtures social connection through shared experience and teamwork while also offering solitude for self-reflection. The evidence shows participants often develop stronger self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social bonds through these programs. Many describe finding a new sense of belonging and mental clarity that traditional therapy settings can struggle to provide. The ocean, in this way, becomes both the therapist and the classroom—teaching patience, presence, and the art of letting go.