For teens with emotional challenges, surf therapy offers a powerful alternative to traditional psychotherapy. By harnessing the ocean’s energy and the excitement of surfing, surf therapy can help teens process emotions, improve coping skills, and boost self-esteem. In this sense, the ocean becomes a source of healing, fostering calmness and well-being.
Is your teen struggling with behavioral issues or substance misuse? At Guardian Recovery, our comprehensive adolescent program includes surf lessons, which can help teens channel the restorative power of the ocean. Contact us today to discover how surf lessons and our holistic approach can help your teen find lasting recovery.
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What Is Surf Therapy?
Surf therapy combines surfing with structured activities to promote physical, psychoemotional, and social well-being. It uses surfing and mindfulness principles to benefit mental and physical health. During a surfing session, individuals learn to use a surfboard to ride waves, which can be an enjoyable and exciting experience. This therapeutic exercise also helps them relax, move their body, and build confidence. Surf therapy has been shown effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including:- Depression
- Anxiety and stress
- PTSD and trauma
- Addiction
- Grief and loss
- Relationship issues
The Science Behind Wave Healing
Wave healing in surf therapy consists of a combination of physical activity, mindfulness, connection with nature, and social interaction. These elements are manifested through the following scientific mechanisms:- Hydrotherapy — The buoyancy and pressure of water provide a gentle form of exercise and massage, improving circulation, reducing swelling, and easing muscle tension.
- Exposure to sunlight and fresh air — Sunlight triggers Vitamin D production, which is critical for bone health and immunity, while the fresh air and negative ions found near oceans can improve respiration and mood.
- Mindfulness and flow state — Surfing requires presence and focus, which can induce a flow state marked by deep engagement, self-consciousness, reduced stress, and improved feelings of well-being.
- Stimulation of the vestibular system — The vestibular system is responsible for balance and spatial orientation, and the motion of waves can stimulate it, resulting in a calming effect on the nervous system and improved sensory processing.
- Brainwave entrainment — The rhythmic sound of waves can affect brainwave activity, promoting relaxation and relief from anxiety.
Core Elements of Teen Surf Therapy
Before entering the water, teens are paired with a qualified instructor who will guide them through ocean safety principles, surfing etiquette, and equipment handling. They’ll begin with warmup exercises, including stretching and breathwork, to enhance focus and mindfulness. Beginner surfers will receive introductory lessons on paddling, popping up, and balancing on the board. With the instructor’s support, they’ll then practice catching waves and riding them to shore. Throughout the session, the instructor engages with the teen, discussing their experiences, challenges, and emotions. After the session, teens are encouraged to reflect on their time surfing, share thoughts and feelings, and relate the experience to their mental wellness journey. This will allow them to identify key takeaways and future goals to integrate into their daily lives.Mental Health Improvements
Surfing offers a unique escape from stressful thoughts and ruminations and “affords very little demand on working memory,” according to a 2024 study.1 This aligns with extensive research demonstrating the positive impact of nature-based activities on mental wellness, reducing anxiety and depression while enhancing one’s quality of life. Even among beginners, surfing can trigger a “flow state”—a state of complete absorption in an activity. This happens when there’s a balance between the individual’s skill level and the activity’s level of difficulty, leading to intense focus and a sense of control. Flow states are often associated with positive emotions, reduced anxiety, and enhanced well-being. The physical exertion of surfing helps release pent-up energy and tension, reducing physical stress and promoting relaxation. Furthermore, the ocean environment has a calming effect on the central nervous system, helping teens to better manage impulses and emotions. Overall, surfing provides a healthy outlet for emotional expression, allowing teens to channel their energy in a positive, productive, and enjoyable way.Complimentary Insurance Check
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Physical & Behavioral Benefits
Surfing can be extremely therapeutic for teens experiencing behavioral health issues, offering a unique blend of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.2- Connecting with nature — The ocean has a unique ability to instill feelings of peace and tranquility, effectively reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Simultaneously, its vastness inspires awe and wonder, fostering a spiritual connection with something greater, and these benefits can translate to improved interactions with oneself and others.
- Improved focus, attention, and mindfulness — Riding waves demands concentration and focus, which can improve attention span and reduce racing thoughts often associated with anxiety and other mental health issues. Surfing also promotes mindfulness, helping individuals remain present in the current moment rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
- Increased self-awareness — Heightened awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings can translate into improved emotional regulation and better decision-making in daily life.
- Building confidence and self-esteem — Mastering a new skill, problem-solving, and overcoming the challenges inherent in surfing can boost confidence and feelings of empowerment. Furthermore, surfing cultivates a sense of mastery and control, which can be particularly valuable for those struggling with behavioral health issues, where feelings of powerlessness are common.
- Enhancing social skills & peer relationships — Surfing provides an opportunity for social interactions, bringing together peers who share a passion for nature or the ocean itself. Group surf lessons foster teamwork and camaraderie, creating a supportive environment with shared goals and mutual encouragement. A 2020 review highlighted the positive impact of surf therapy on social skills, showing increased social competency, improved school engagement, and reduced behavioral issues in young people who needed social and emotional support.3
- Engaging in physical activity — Physical activities such as balancing, riding waves, and paddling can provide a full-body workout, building strength and improving overall physical health. Paddling also requires repetitive motion, which, like meditation, can calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Surf Therapy in a Holistic Teen Treatment Program
Surf therapy or lessons are not a stand-alone solution but a complement to traditional therapies. To achieve the best outcomes, they’re often combined with the following behavioral and mental health treatment therapies:- Medical detox
- Residential/inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Aftercare and relapse prevention
- Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Academic support
- Peer group support
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Creative arts, such as music and art therapy
Our Locations
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Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Boca Raton Adolescent Center
Boca Raton, Florida
Boca Raton, Florida
Montville Adolescent Center
Towaco, New Jersey
Towaco, New Jersey
New Pathway Counseling — Pine Brook
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Guardian Virtual
Online
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Finding the Right Treatment Program for Your Teen
Your teen’s recovery hinges on choosing the right program. It’s important to find one that provides a safe, nurturing environment with highly individualized treatment for developing essential coping skills and guidance from experienced professionals who truly care about your teen’s well-being. At Guardian Recovery, we offer compassionate support for your child and family through the recovery journey.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss treatment options and explore insurance or private pay options. We’re here to help your teen heal on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and navigate the best path forward.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Olive, L., et al. (2023). Surf therapy for improving child and adolescent mental health. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Vol. 65, Art. 102381.
- Moran, R. and Sperandei, S., et al. (2024). The long-term effect of surf therapy on posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptomology among current and former australian defence force members. Mental Health and Physical Activity. Vol. 27, Art. 100629.
- Benninger, E., et al. (2020) Surf therapy: A scoping review of the qualitative and quantitative research evidence. Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice. Vol. 11, Issue 2.
