Surf therapy offers a unique and engaging approach to healing for teens struggling with emotional challenges, such as anxiety. Unlike traditional talk therapy, surf therapy uses the power of the ocean and the physical activity of surfing to help teens process their emotions and improve their coping skills. By interacting with the water and waves, teens can learn to reduce stress, regulate emotions, and build self-esteem. The ocean itself provides a calming and therapeutic environment, promoting a sense of peace and well-being.
At Guardian Recovery, we recognize the immense value of surf lessons and incorporate them into our adolescent program. We believe this powerful tool can help teens navigate emotional challenges, overcome behavioral issues, and address substance misuse. If you’re seeking a unique and effective therapeutic approach for your teen, contact us today to learn more about how a holistic treatment approach including surf lessons, can help support their journey toward healing and personal growth.
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Therapeutic Benefits of Surfing for Teens
Surfing can be extremely therapeutic for adolescents experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, offering a unique blend of physical, emotional, and mental benefits.1- Connecting with nature — Being in the ocean can induce feelings of peace and tranquility, reducing stress and anxiety. At the same time, its vastness can inspire a sense of awe and wonder, helping teens feel connected to something greater than themselves. Additionally, fresh air and sunshine boost vitamin D levels and endorphins, having the potential to improve mood and overall well-being.
- Engaging in physical activity — Physical activities like paddling, riding waves, and balancing can provide a full-body workout, building strength and improving physical health.
- Promoting mindfulness — Surfing requires a significant amount of concentration and focus, encouraging mindfulness and helping individuals remain present in the current moment rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Paddling also requires repetitive motion, which, like meditation, can calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
- Building confidence and self-esteem — Learning a new skill, engaging in problem-solving, and surmounting challenges can boost confidence, and successfully riding a wave can provide feelings of empowerment and accomplishment. Surfing can also help individuals develop a sense of mastery and control, which can be especially beneficial for those struggling with anxiety or substance use issues who may have experienced a loss of control over their lives.
- Reducing stress and regulating emotions — The exertion required by surfing can help to relieve pent-up energy and tension, reducing physical stress and promoting relaxation. As noted, being in the ocean can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping teens reduce impulsivity and regulate emotions. Finally, surfing can also provide a healthy outlet for emotions, allowing teens to channel energy in a productive and positive way.
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Enhancing Social Skills & Peer Relationships
Surfing can be a very social activity, offering opportunities to connect with others who have a passion for the ocean or nature in general. Group surf outings can promote teamwork and a sense of camaraderie, community, belonging, and shared purpose. Through mutual support and engaging with other peers, teens enhance their social skills and forge new relationships. A 2020 review of the academic literature on surf therapy found consistent evidence that surf therapy increases social competency skills and school engagement and reduces behavioral problems among youth in need of social and emotional support.2How Surf Therapy Addresses Anxiety Symptoms
According to a 2024 study, surfing provides a break from stressful thoughts and ruminations, and “affords very little demand on working memory.”3 A wide body of research has found that nature activities have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and to potentially improve one’s overall quality of life. Surf therapy aligns with mindfulness principles by encouraging focus on the present moment. This keen awareness of oneself and the environment developed while surfing can also have benefits in daily life and lasting effects. Mindfulness techniques, in general, have been shown to improve mental health and relieve stress. Surfing can induce a mental “flow state,” even for beginners, where individuals become fully immersed in an activity. This state involves a balance of challenge and skills, complete focus, and a sense of control. Flow states have been linked to positive emotions, reduced anxiety, and improved well-being. In essence, the combination of mindfulness, connection with nature, and the flow experience makes surfing a potentially powerful therapeutic strategy.Integrating Surf Therapy With Traditional Teen Treatment Programs
It’s important to understand that surf therapy is not considered a stand-alone treatment for teen behavioral health conditions. Instead, it is most effective when used as part of a more comprehensive approach, which typically includes the following:- Medical detox (for substance misuse)
- 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
What To Expect in a Surf Therapy Session
Before teens hit the water, they’ll be connected with a qualified instructor. They’ll learn about ocean safety, surfing etiquette, and how to handle the surfboard and equipment. They may be encouraged to warm up with some light stretching and various exercises, including breathwork to center themselves and connect with the present moment. Teens who are new to surfing are given brief lessons on the fundamentals of paddling, popping up, and board balance. Next, they’ll begin catching waves and riding them into the shore, while the instructor offers them support and encouragement. While surfing or during breaks, they may also talk with the teen about their experience, challenges, and emotions. After the session, teens are asked to further reflect on their experience, discuss insights or feelings that arose, and connect the events to their recovery from anxiety and substance misuse. Then, they can identify any key takeaways or goals they wish to incorporate into their daily life.Our Locations
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Finding the Right Treatment Program for Your Teen
Choosing the right program is absolutely essential to your teen’s recovery and well-being. Effective treatment should provide a safe and nurturing environment with personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. It should also help them develop crucial skills, such as emotional regulation and coping mechanisms, and offer them guidance from experienced, compassionate professionals.
At Guardian Recovery, we offer surf lessons designed to connect the mind, body, and spirit. We ensure these sessions are safe and complement their overall treatment plan, helping them gain valuable insights into their emotions and behaviors in a meaningful way. This strategy becomes especially effective when integrated into our holistic approach designed to foster healing, growth, and lasting well-being.
We are dedicated to supporting teens through every step of the recovery journey. We offer compassionate support to help your child and family navigate this difficult time. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation conversation. Our staff will answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance benefits or explore alternate payment options. We’re here to help you find 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.
- 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.
- 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.
