Surfing and meditation may seem like two vastly different paths, but when combined, they can take us on a journey to inner peace and transformation. This union of physical demands and mindfulness creates a powerful and moving experience for both the body and mind. In this blog, we’ll explore the transformative power of combining surfing and meditation and how it can lead to a more fulfilling life.
The Joy of Surfing
For many, surfing is more than just a sport, it’s a passion that brings immense joy and fulfillment. The thrill of riding a wave and the connection to the ocean can be life-changing, providing a sense of peace and perspective. Surfing requires strength, balance, and coordination, and the repetitive movements involved can release pent-up stress and tension, grounding us in the present moment.
The Calm of Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool for promoting mental and emotional well-being. It involves training the mind to focus on the present moment and quieting the inner chatter. Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall health and well-being. When we meditate, we find a sense of calm and peace that can stay with us long after our practice is complete.
The Journey to Transformation
When we bring surfing and meditation together, the results can be truly transformative. The physical demands of surfing help to ground us in the present moment and release pent-up stress and tension. Meanwhile, the meditative qualities of mindfulness bring a sense of peace and clarity to the surfing experience. By facing challenges on the water and developing a sense of calm and focus through mindfulness, we can build the mental and emotional toughness needed to overcome life’s challenges.
Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your surfing routine can also help to improve your overall performance. By training the mind to stay focused and calm, you can better handle the challenges that arise when surfing, such as navigating rough waters or riding big waves.
Surfing and meditation may seem like two vastly different paths, but when combined, they can take us on a journey to inner peace and transformation. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your surfing routine, you can improve your overall performance, build resilience, and achieve a more fulfilling life. So, if you’re looking to deepen your connection to the ocean and to yourself, consider combining surfing and meditation on your journey to inner peace.
Please reach out if you want to sign up for surfing and mindfulness lessons in Orange County or the Central Coast of California (SLO region). We also provide surf therapy groups at local treatment centers. You don’t need to be in treatment or an addict to benefit from surfing & mindfulness practice.
Addiction is a disease that affects millions of individuals and their families, often leading to devastating consequences. While overcoming addiction is a difficult and challenging process, there are many ways that surf therapy can help individuals on their journey to recovery. This blog will discuss the benefits of surfing for individuals in recovery and how it can help them find a sense of purpose, build resilience, and achieve lasting recovery.
The Physical and Mental Benefits of Surfing
Surfing is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, balance, and coordination. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals in recovery can improve their overall health and reduce their risk of relapse. Additionally, the repetitive movements involved in surfing can have a meditative effect, helping individuals to focus on the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety.
Surfing also provides a sense of accomplishment and mastery, which can help individuals in recovery build self-esteem and confidence. The thrill of riding a wave and the connection to the ocean can also provide a sense of peace and perspective, helping individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
How Surfing Can Help Build Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and overcome challenges, which is crucial for individuals in recovery. Surfing can help individuals build resilience in several ways, including:
Overcoming fear: Surfing requires individuals to face their fears and overcome challenges, such as navigating rough waters and riding big waves. This can help individuals in recovery develop a sense of courage and determination, and apply these skills to other areas of their lives.
Developing problem-solving skills: Surfing requires individuals to think creatively and quickly, as they navigate changing conditions and make decisions on the fly. These skills can be applied to other areas of life, helping individuals to find solutions to the challenges they face in recovery.
Building a supportive community: Surfing often involves participating in a community of individuals who share a passion for the sport. This can provide a sense of belonging and support, which is crucial for individuals in recovery who may have strained relationships with friends and family.
The Path to Lasting Recovery
Overcoming addiction is a lifelong journey, and surf therapy can provide a supportive and empowering environment for individuals in recovery. By incorporating surfing into their recovery journey, individuals can find a sense of purpose, build resilience, and achieve lasting recovery.
Surfing is a powerful tool for individuals in recovery, offering physical and mental benefits that can help support and sustain recovery. By facing challenges and building resilience, surfers can find a sense of purpose and meaning, and achieve lasting recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider incorporating surf therapy into their recovery journey and experience the many benefits that this unique and powerful sport can provide.
Therapeutic surfing is one tool in the tool box that can help teens and young adults struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Of course it is not a replacement for SUD/ mental health treatment, medical care, psychiatric care, or licensed psychotherapy. Serene Waters recommends and supports all aspects of recovery and encourages the infusion of surf therapy into each persons recovery journey. If you need treatment or other professional referrals we are happy to help. We provide group surf therapy services at a few SUD/ Mental health treatment programs in Southern California. If you would like to learn more or sign up for private therapeutic surf lessons please check out our home page. We are located in Orange County, California and the San Luis Obispo Region (Central Coast). If you are a parent concerned about a teen or young adults substance use and/or mental health I am happy to talk to you about it.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness that plays a significant role in determining the quality of life for individuals. Unfortunately, many young adults in America are struggling with mental health issues that are compromising their ability to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The following is a discussion of the young adult mental health crisis in America, its causes, and what can be done to address this growing problem.
Reasons for the Crisis
There are many factors that are contributing to the young adult mental health crisis in America, including:
Increased stress and anxiety: Young adults today face numerous stressors, including the pressure to succeed academically, professionally, and financially. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, worry, and stress that can negatively impact their mental health.
Social media and technology: The rise of social media and technology has brought with it an unprecedented level of connectivity and exposure to the world, which can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse and addiction are also contributing to the young adult mental health crisis, as many young adults turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Lack of access to mental health services: Many young adults struggle to access mental health services due to a lack of insurance, stigma, and limited access to quality care.
Impact on Young Adults
The young adult mental health crisis has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole. The following are some of the ways that mental health issues can impact young adults:
Interference with academic and professional success: Mental health issues can interfere with a young adult’s ability to focus and succeed in their academic or professional pursuits.
Increased risk of substance abuse: Young adults with mental health issues are at a higher risk of substance abuse and addiction, which can further exacerbate their mental health problems.
Decreased quality of life: Mental health issues can significantly decrease a young adult’s quality of life, leading to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loneliness.
Increased risk of suicide: Mental health issues can increase the risk of suicide, which is a growing problem among young adults in America.
What Can be Done to Address the Crisis
The following are some of the steps that can be taken to address the young adult mental health crisis in America:
Increase access to mental health services: The first step in addressing the young adult mental health crisis is to increase access to mental health services. This can be done by expanding insurance coverage, increasing the availability of mental health services, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Promote mental health literacy: Increasing mental health literacy, or the knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, can help young adults recognize and address mental health problems early on.
Address the root causes of mental health issues: Addressing the root causes of mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and substance abuse, is crucial in preventing and treating mental health problems in young adults.
Increase support for young adults: Young adults need support and resources to help them navigate the challenges of adulthood and maintain their mental health. This can be done by providing access to resources such as counseling, support groups, and educational materials.
The young adult mental health crisis in America is a growing problem that requires immediate attention and action. By increasing access to mental health services, promoting mental health literacy, addressing the root causes of mental health issues, and increasing support for young adults, we can help ensure that all young adults have the opportunity
Therapeutic surfing is one tool in the tool box that can help young adults struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Of course it is not a replacement for SUD/ mental health treatment, medical care, psychiatric care, or licensed psychotherapy. Serene Waters recommends and supports all aspects of recovery and encourages the infusion of surf therapy into each persons recovery journey. If you need treatment or other professional referrals we are happy to help. We provide group surf therapy services at a few SUD/ Mental health treatment programs in Southern California. If you would like to learn more or sign up for private therapeutic surf lessons please check out our home page. We are located in Orange County, California and the Central Coast of California (SLO region).
Surfing pioneer and seven-time world champion Layne Beachley.
(ABC News: Andy Park)
The way Layne Beachley describes being in the ocean makes it sound like an almost religious experience.
“Diving in the ocean, I feel this sense of being cleansed from my head all the way down to my toes … almost like it cleanses my mind, my body, and my soul,” she says.
“It’s a place where I feel connected. It’s a place where I feel a sense of freedom.
“And as a self-confessed control freak, it’s a great place to surrender — because it’s a force way more powerful than me.”
Beachley, who won seven world surf titles before retiring from professional surfing in 2008, is widely regarded as one of the most successful female surfers in history.
But her time in the ocean has brought her more than professional success. Surfing, she says, has “at times saved [her] life”.
“In the mid ’90s I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and it was a really challenging time because I didn’t want to acknowledge that I was sick,” she says.
“I ended up in a state of depression … I was thinking of ways to end my life on a daily basis.”
After seeking professional help, and making a “full mental, physical and emotional commitment to [her] health”, Beachley returned to surfing.
“It was the desire to go surfing again that kept me alive in the deepest, darkest moments of my life,” she says.
“Surfing gives me that healthy dose of perspective and balance in life. If I’m ever feeling overwhelmed, I know I’ve been away from the ocean for too long.”
Surfing as therapy
Beachley describes herself as a “huge supporter” of surfing as a form of therapy.
“You go in there, you release yourself of the fears or anxieties or pressures of life … and it really brings you into your own state of being.”
Chief executive officer of the International Surf Therapy Organisation (ISTO) Kris Primacio says the idea of surf therapy is to embed therapeutic services in the “intrinsically motivating” activity of surfing.
“Each surf therapy program takes a structured approach to surfing to achieve a therapeutic benefit,” she says.
“The programs were developed to heal mental and physical illness through surfing, and in doing so, we enhance participants’ self-efficacy, and provide them with a sense of achievement.”
Surf therapy programs typically involve talk-based group therapy led by a mental health practitioner or informal peer support, followed by individual surf instruction.
“We’re not really reinventing the wheel — there’s creative art therapy, there’s equine therapy, there’s music therapy … we’re going to walk behind the path that they’ve carved out under experiential therapy,” Ms Primacio says.
Waves of Wellness is an Australian-based surf therapy organisation that runs programs for people experiencing mental health challenges.
(Supplied: Beau Pilgrim)
Brisbane psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones says although surfing is not a formally recognised model of therapy, incorporating physical activity into mental health treatment can have immense benefits.
“Our physical health is very closely linked to our mental health, and vice versa. If we’re not feeling well mentally, it’s a good idea to start to explore how we’re looking after our bodies,” she says.
“Surf therapy looks very much at the physiological components of mental health.”
She adds that in addition to the benefits of physical activity, surfing — and other forms of exercise — can help to bring someone into the present moment, creating a sense of mindfulness.
“It allows us to be distracted from things that might be bothering us, to get a shift of perspective,” she says.
“With surf therapy, you have to be 100 per cent focused on the activity at hand … and while you’re fully focused on what you’re doing, you can’t be dwelling or engaging in anxious or depressive thinking.”
The ISTO work with 30 surf therapy organisations from around the world, including two from Australia. Surf therapy participants include young people who have experienced trauma, young people with autism, people with physical impairments, and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Surfing is such a physical activity — it builds strength and balance — but it also builds confidence,” Ms Primacio says.
“We know that physical activity reduces our stress and can reduce our anxiety. Now research is being done around the globe … to see if people are receiving a therapeutic benefit from the ocean, and more specifically, surfing.”
Programs for PTSD
Last year, the United States Navy embarked on a $1 million research project to investigate the therapeutic potential of surfing for military personnel with PTSD, depression or sleep problems.
It follows research by Los-Angeles based occupational therapist Carly Rogers, who investigated the therapeutic benefits of surfing after experiencing the positive impact of it on her own mental health.
Dr Rogers designed a surf therapy program in 2004 (which has since been used as the basis of many programs) and undertook a small study with veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
“Our participants attended five sessions, and we found they had decreased self-reported PTSD and depression symptoms,” she says.
“We also found there was an increase in their attendance rates … which really showed a preference for this treatment.”
Michael Burge, director of the Australian College of Trauma Treatment, says exercise has long been seen as an effective adjunct therapy “to reduce stress and trauma”.
When it comes to the treatment of PTSD, he says group activities like surfing can be particularly helpful because of their social aspects.
“Social isolation is well known to be a phenomenon of PTSD. People often feel like they’re odd and strange because of the flashbacks,” Mr Burge says.
“When they get involved in sporting activities, it helps reduce their isolation — there is a sense of comradeship with other surfers … and that can help dramatically.”
Surfing removes barriers to traditional therapy
One Wave run weekly ‘Fluro Friday’ events at beaches around Australia to raise awareness of mental health.
(Supplied: David Bryant)
Occupational therapist Joel Pilgrim is the chief executive officer of Waves of Wellness, which runs surf therapy programs for people experiencing mental health challenges.
He says incorporating surfing into clinical therapy can help to remove some of the barriers people face when accessing mental health support.
“There are a lot of people that shy away from mainstream services because they don’t want to be associated with the stigma,” he says.
“The idea of being able to get outside and focus on your physical health is absolutely imperative to maintaining positive mental health,” Mr Pilgrim says.
“It’s not only the act of being around nature … it’s being able to switch off from the traumas that life can often throw at us.”
We are excited to announce our summertime surf therapy program open to anyone recovering from addiction or other mental health issues. The program will include 4, two hours Surf therapy sessions. Gear and instruction will be provided within our Surf therapy group format. Spots are limited and are at cost suggested contribution is $250 per person. 2 Locations one in south and north OC. Stay tuned for specific dates and locations
The list of sea water health benefits is nearly endless. But, even if it only had a placebo effect on our physique, our brain would still drive us to the beach.
It’s good to your mood, and it will boost your health. The only thing that sea water does not do is hydrate our body. But that is not even a downside compared to the benefits
Sea water can be a natural drug and medicine. It stimulates our body and promotes the feeling of well-being that surfers very well know. If you live by the beach or spend a lot of time in coastal areas, you know how receptive we are to sea-sprayed shores.
So, what does sea water contain? On average, sea water has 3.5 percent of salt (sodium chloride). In other words, for one liter of water, you get 35 grams of salts. And then, small parts of magnesium, sulfate and calcium.
Although still not scientifically proven, thalassotherapy uses sea water and sea-based products made from algae, marine salt, mud, seaweed, and ocean water to eliminates skin problems.
But salt water has many other surprising benefits:
Sea water cleans your skin
The mineral salts team up with the sun to regenerate your skin. As a result, ulcers, lupus, acne, and psoriasis are some of the diseases that can be easily cured with sea water.
Sea water strengthens the immune system
The number of red blood cells increases between five to 20 percent after a swim or bath in the sea. The number of white blood cells increases even more. Sea water is a fantastic medicine for people with a weakened immune system, anemia, and high blood sugar levels.
Sea water slows down the development of rheumatism
Ocean water combined with exercise is a great medication for bone and muscle pain, arthritis, circulatory, and postsurgical issues.
Sea water reduces and eliminates anxiety
Because it contains magnesium, sea water will calm you down. People who live a stressful life are advised to go to the beach, not only for its relaxing atmosphere but also because of the soothing medicinal properties of sea water.
Sea water has cicatrization properties
Because it is rich in mineral salts such as sodium and iodine, ocean water has antiseptic and cicatrizing actions on you the skin.
Sea water improves breathing
People who suffer from asthma, severe cough, phlegm and other respiratory problems should go to the beach to breathe the breeze and swim in the sea. The salt water helps eliminate toxins and other elements that attack the lungs.
Sea water cleans out the large intestine
The ingestion of small amounts of ocean water facilitates the cleansing of the colon, detoxifies the body and renews the body’s energies, especially in children.
Sea water helps fight liver and kidney problems
Ocean water accelerates the process of cell regeneration, especially those damaged by diseases such as cirrhosis. It also helps eliminate the excess water accumulated in the abdomen that occurs as a consequence of the disease.
Sea water prevents insomnia and reduces depressive symptoms
Because it helps normalize blood pressure and treats nervousness, a day at the beach will help you sleep better, and will naturally boost your mood.
I Found this article a while ago and have found it to be a very good discussion piece in many of my surf therapy groups that I run in Orange County California. Enjoy!
Meditation and Surfing: A Guide to Zen, Waves and Mindfulness
SURFING
Meditating and surfing. For many surfers, it’s the ultimate experience. Learn how to add meditation to your surfing routine.
A meditation session is a rendezvous between you and yourself. It’s all about training and soothing the mind, and entering a mode of freedom and self-awareness which induces relaxation, joy, patience, emotional balance, and love.
Meditation can be a path to achieving a spiritual end, but it is not necessarily linked with religions and sacred activities. As you may have noticed, there is a growing number of people who meditate to clear their minds from stress, tension, anxiety and depressive disorders. Meditation also increases the level of focus and attention, bringing serenity to our lives.
Western societies are slowly turning to meditation, and surfers, as always, are leading the way. The empathy between meditation and surfing is evident. Surfers are, or should be, in perfect sync with nature, the ocean, and the waves.
Whether you’re a pro surfer or a recreational, weekend surfer, you constantly need to build your concentration, focus, and attention so that you’re in tune with the elements water, air, earth, and most of all, yourself. For many of us, surfing is a spiritual experience, and riding a wave is an indescribable moment of zen.
Have you ever closed your eyes between sets? Try it, and simply stay in the moment. That’s the first step towards a meditative state of mind. But don’t think it’s as simple as that. Training the mind is a continuous process that involves practice, patience and compassion. Just like surfing.
So, why do we only exercise our bodies and almost never train our minds? If our brain commands our muscles, why don’t we keep it healthy and clean? What are we doing with the brilliant machine that produces our thoughts and decisions?
If you want to include meditation in your surf training program, here’s how you should start doing it.
You can meditate with or without music. There are plenty of new age songs and soothing sounds of the ocean available online that will help you enter a meditative status. A serene, low light environment will also improve your first meditation session.
Guided meditations can be extremely helpful in the beginning of your practice. And you ask: what do I need to start meditating? It’s easy. All you need is will, and certain conditions that invite your mind to relax:
1. Choose a day when you feel relaxed and ready to give meditation a go;
2. Find a comfortable spot: it can be your home, the office, your local beach, or even an empty lineup;
3. Wear loose clothes;
4. Turn the music on or off;
Once the environment is set, how can a surfer start meditating? Just like in surfing, there is not a strict formula to start it off. The best meditation technique is the one that works for you. However, you can follow a few simple relaxation guidelines, specially designed for surfers, while they wait for waves:
1. Sit on the surfboard with the spine in the upright position;
2. Place your hands on your thighs;
3. Slowly close your eyes;
4. Make the necessary body adjustments until you find a natural, comfortable position, and straight posture;
5. Steadily inhale and exhale through your nose only;
6. Relax your jaw muscles;
7. Concentrate on your breathing rhythm;
8. Forget any pressure to reach a relaxed state;
9. Ignore everything around you including sounds, smells, touches, and tastes;
10. When you feel it’s time, stop your meditation, and slowly open your eyes;
Meditation is never a waste of time. A meditative state of mind is extremely beneficial for your mind, and will rest the brain for long periods of time. A daily practice is good for your wellness – you’ll discover the inspiration, peace, and liberation needed to challenge crowded lineups, snaking, dangerous beginner surfers, and even fear of big waves and three-wave hold downs.
Many surfers meditate: Dave Rastovich, Shaun Tomson, Gerry Lopez, Taylor Knox, Dick Brewer, Greg Long have their moments of mindfulness on a regular basis. Scientists have already concluded that mindfulness practice is an effective therapy for chronic low back pain, a recurrent issue in the sport.
Surfing is totally compatible with meditation, and vice-versa. They complement each other, especially for those who believe in wave riding as a lifestyle, and a path to self-awareness. Include meditation in your surfing activities. It doesn’t matter if it’s just for five minutes. Start meditating now: channel positive energy into your inner self, and free your mind.
If you are looking to learn how to surf but not interested in surf therapy please visit this Siteand sign up!!
Surf therapy: A new way to treat anxiety, stress, PTSD, and more
NOVEMBER, 20 |SURFING
The Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) is among the institutions that are researching the possibility of using a new form of therapy to treat PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety and stress.
The physical and psychological benefits of surfing are something many enthusiasts can attest to. Scientists have been working to establish the exact mechanism and value of this form of rehabilitation.
The NMCSD studies were prompted by studies that show an increasing number of people diagnosed with PTSD. More than 8 percent of adults in American will have PTSD in their lifetime.
Between 2001 and 2011 the number of active duty military personnel diagnosed with the condition increased by 65 percent.
Researchers believe it can be effective for treating a number of other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Surf therapy can be thought of as a form of adventure that can be appealing to young people who are underserved by other forms of treatments.
Benefits of Surf Therapy
Surf therapy could prove to be beneficial for treating mental health conditions for the following reasons:
Emotional Wellbeing: According to the Wave Project
A British surf therapy charity study indicated an improvement in mental and emotional well being for young people who had experienced trauma and other psychological issues.
The therapy yielded consistent week-in week-out improvements in self-management, communication, and cultivation of positive outlook on the young participants.
Non-Pharmacological Therapy
The therapy does not require medication and is free from the side effects that come with medication-based therapies.
Holistic
It is a holistic form of therapy that promotes mental, psychological and spiritual well being. A holistic approach is much more effective compared to therapies that are non-integrated.
Cost
You only need a surfboard and the ocean. You may initially require a trainer, but the therapy will prove to be cheaper than other alternatives in the long run.
Why it Works
In order to make the most of this form of therapy, researchers are trying to establish why it is effective for psychological conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and even substance abuse. Here are the reasons why it could be one of the best forms of rehabilitation:
Adventure Therapy
Surfing is a form of adventure or outdoor therapy. Research indicates it is particularly effective in treating anxiety and stress. Researchers say it is beneficial because:
Unplug
Adolescents and adults are constantly engaged in activities that involve a lot of screen time on the computer and the smartphone.
Surf therapy gives the opportunity to unplug and engage in therapeutic, outdoor activities.
Alternative Psychotherapeutic Intervention
It gives an alternative to those who are not responsive to other forms of intervention. It has been found to be effective for adolescents who may not find traditional therapies appealing.
Recreation
It is a form of treatment that is fun and enjoyable. Participants are therefore likely to see it as a form of recreation rather than a monotonous treatment protocol.
It engages participants who voluntarily involve themselves physically and psychologically.
The Psychological Power of Awe
Awe is defined as the feeling of wonder and reverence mixed with feelings of fear when experiencing something vast or novel. Nothing inspires awe like the vastness of the ocean.
It may be compared to looking at the stars and contemplating the universe that appears to stretch into eternity.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicates that awe inspires a sense of wellbeing, loving-kindness, and magnanimity.
Why does it work? According to the researchers, the feeling, though short-lived and hard to define, encourages us to look beyond ourselves and consider our situation without the temptation to be preoccupied with narrow self-interests.
In addition, they believe this sense of reverence can inspire people to be more loving, more likely to volunteer, and to adopt a more loving attitude towards others.
Focus
Surfing requires a fairly high degree of concentration or focus. You are forced to maintain focus as you glide through the waves.
Therefore you tend to gravitate from other negative thoughts even if for only a limited period of time. The fact that it is done outdoors and is a fun activity makes it easier to keep the mind focused.
Adrenaline Rush
Surfing is a good form of exercise that promotes physical fitness. In one hour an average person can burn around 240 calories per hour. It is also a low impact form of exercise suitable for people of all ages.
The focus required to surf combined with the adrenaline rush helps to promote a sense of mental and physical well being.
There are many studies that have confirmed the benefits of exercise in promoting self-confidence, the mind’s ability to cope with stress and alleviate anxiety.
Additionally, dopamine promotes a sense of well being that counters the distress experienced by people struggling with various forms of addiction.
This makes it ideal for addressing mental health conditions, alcoholism, and substance abuse.
Taking Up Surf Therapy
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or PTSD, you can take up this form of therapy by signing up for programs arranged by charities and non-profit networks.
These programs have trainers that guide participants so that they can overcome the mental health challenges they are going through.
There are treatment programs near you that you can find by doing a quick search online.
Conclusion
Researchers have established that surf therapy to be effective in treating conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and prevent suicidal thoughts.
Surf therapy is particularly impactful for adolescents and adults that are not responsive to conventional therapies because it is not appealing.
It is a low cost, evidence-based treatment suitable for people of all ages. There are several programs that you can sign up for even if you don’t live near the sea or have never surfed before.
Further, research is being conducted to establish the exact mechanisms and modalities to enhance surf therapy for the treatment of a number of mental conditions. Words by Patrick Bailey Professional writer | Mental Health, Addiction, and Living in Recovery | patrickbaileys.com
Here is a great read we found on https://www.booksurfcamps.com/news/surfing-impact-brain-mood
Surfing feels good. There’s no denying that. Time slows down when you’re riding a wave, you don’t really think about anything and the rest of the world just vanishes. You are in awe. You are in the flow. But what does that mean, and how does that translate into your brain activity?
Our mind is the ultimate puppet master. It controls our emotions, fears, decisions and thoughts, our motivation and energy levels. What if we understood more about how our brain works? Would we be able to trick it into working more to our advantage?
Exercising in natural environments has greater benefits for your mental health than exercising anywhere else. The same goes with surfing, a total workout that engages both the body and the mind, with health benefits that go far beyond the sheer thrill of catching a wave – it can be a form of treatment for depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Have you ever wondered what goes on in your brain when you surf? Looking for the science, logic, and reasoning behind the stoke you experience when out in the water? We often hear that “Only a surfer knows the feeling” and “There’s no greater high,” but that never seems to satisfy us. So, we’ve decided to get to the bottom of things and to take close look at what happens inside a surfer’s brain. Well, not literally, but we do have some interesting answers for you!
Surfing releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals into your brain
According to Harvard Medical School, regular exercise improves memory by stimulating certain chemicals in the brain, which, in turn, help new blood vessels to grow and brain cells to survive. It also improves sleep and mood, and reduces stress and anxiety. The same happens when you surf – the brain gets a good shot of some cool chemicals.
This cocktail of chemicals helps you stay focused. Not only that, but it also makes you feel happy. Therefore, it is safe to say that surfing is a strong mood enhancer. Each great feat of catching a new wave is rewarded accordingly, with a rush of neurochemicals that lead to a state of euphoria, often associated with the term “runner’s high.”
Let’s take a look at some of the chemicals being released:
Adrenaline – In medical terms, this is called epinephrine, and is being produced by the adrenal glands in response to danger and fear. There is another hormone, very similar to adrenaline, called norepinephrine, which is produced by the brain. Just like adrenaline, it triggers the fight-or-flight response, increasing the heart rate, the breathing rate, and the blood flow, helping you deal with stressful situations.
Serotonin – Also known as the “happy chemical,” this neurotransmitter is responsible for our mood. Low levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety and depression, and higher levels of this mood enhancer reduce stress and increase your overall confidence. It is also responsible for that stoke you experience during and after a surf session.
Endorphins – These feel-good chemicals are often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers, masking pain and discomfort, and helping you power through any situation. Release of endorphins is also linked to a state of euphoria. In fact, surfing is used in rehab facilities, where the high from drugs and alcohol is replaced with the endorphin rush one experiences when riding a wave.
Dopamine – Even more powerful than endorphins, this neurotransmitter controls the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. The anticipation before a surf session releases dopamine, with incredibly high amounts being produced as the result of an unexpected success, such as catching your first wave or riding that gnarly peak you never thought you could. Dopamine is associated with addiction because it keeps you coming back for more.
The positive impact of negative ions
For centuries, doctors have recommended beach sessions to their patients. The ocean has a naturally soothing effect on the brain, and simply being around crashing waves will make us feel at ease and happy. But have you ever wondered why this happens?
The crashing waves release negatively charged ions, which trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the body and alter the brainwaves. Negative ions cannot be seen with the naked eye or smelled, but they are around us in certain environments, especially around large bodies of water. To be more precise, these are oxygen atoms with negatively charged electrons that are produced through water molecules.
Negative ions are nature’s anti-depressant, triggering the release of serotonin and endorphins, those magical neurotransmitters that relieve stress and make us feel good. Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, which leads to mental sharpness and increased mental energy. They also promote the activity of Alpha brainwaves (keep reading to find out more about these). Therefore, it’s not just the pleasure of catching a wave that will put a smile on your face, but also the air you breathe.
Surfing alters your brainwaves
The breathing patterns used when swimming and diving stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This has an impact on the brainwaves and calms the mind, releasing hormones that make you feel positive.
There are five types of brainwaves. In order from fastest to slowest, these are Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. Whenever we feel tired and lazy, the more sluggish brainwaves are dominant. When we feel alert and energized, the faster brainwaves are in action. When being faced with a wave, you need to be focused on the task at hand, and the brainwaves start to move faster.
Gamma waves – the fastest brainwaves, Gamma waves are associated with memory, learning, and processing tasks quickly.
Beta waves – come into play when a sharper state of alertness, logic, or reasoning is necessary. Beta waves are associated with increased focus, but too much Beta waves can also lead to higher levels of stress.
Alpha waves – when we are relaxed or daydreaming, the Alpha waves are “to blame”. This frequency is at the borderline between the conscious and subconscious mind – when Alpha waves take over, we experience the flow state.
Theta waves – usually occur during sleep, but can also take over during deep meditation. Theta waves allow us to process information beyond our normal consciousness awareness, improving our creativity and intuition. Along with Alpha waves, Theta waves help you enter the flow state.
Delta waves – the slowest and the loudest brainwaves, these dominate during dreamless sleep or transcendental meditation.
Experiencing awe quiets the frontal lobes, syncing the left and right brains, increasing Alpha and Theta brainwave activity. The state of flow is reached when the Alpha and Theta brainwaves take over, and could be described as the point where the conscious and subconscious meet.
When focusing on a task, be it catching the next wave, writing a great paper, or delivering an awesome project at work, we start with Beta waves and slowly progress towards Alpha and Tetha. When Alpha wave activity increases, we are reaching our peak performance. When intense creativity is involved, Theta waves come into play and we get an “aha! moment” – that precious moment of brilliant ideas, when we are able to connect all the dots.
Surfing is a form of meditation
We know now that meditation doesn’t necessarily imply sitting still in a quiet room on a braided cushion. It can take many forms, and surfing is one of them.
Simply gazing at the ocean puts you in a meditative state. Once you get in the water, surfing forces you to direct your thoughts to the present moment, clearing your mind. Surfers undergo dissociative states, similar to those experienced by lifelong meditation practitioners.
After the rush of chemicals in the brain, the parasympathetic system takes over and everything slows down, while cortisol (stress hormone) production stops. Alpha brainwave activity dominates, which translates into a relaxed state of mind and clearing of unwanted thoughts. That restless monologue in your head suddenly stops.
Surfers continue to feel good long after a surfing session and will be able to focus better on all the other tasks they are faced with.
Final words
We cannot really tell what goes on in every single surfer’s brain; that would imply mapping their brains, and we can’t exactly hook a surfer to an MRI while inside a barrel. We are all unique, and what we feel in a particular moment is influenced by our life experience and by the different challenges we face. What a beginner surfermay see as over their limit might seem too easy for a pro. But in the end, it is the diversity of the experience that makes surfing such an amazing sport.
Get your shot of all-natural feel-good chemicals more often. Embark on regular surf weekends and try to squeeze in a session or two during the week if you can!
Kara is a recent transplant from Philadelphia, PA. She grew up near the east coast shores of South Jersey where she was an ocean lifeguard for 15 years on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol. Surfing, among other outdoor sports, have offered spiritual grounding as well as self-efficacy and motivation in maintaining her own mental health, well-being, and recovery. She has completed her coursework at Drexel University and is in the process of completing her thesis on the neuroscience of addictions and art therapy. She will graduate in December 2018 with an MA in Art Therapy and Counseling.
Kara has had two years of experience working in addiction and recovery. Her belief is that change occurs when we challenge ourselves through novel and creative experiences, activating both mind and body to open up new neural pathways that change the way we think and see ourselves, as well as the world around us. She enjoys facilitating in the process of helping others create new pathways that lead to self-efficacy, health and growth in mind, body, and spirit.
We are excited to announce our summertime surf therapy program open to anyone recovering from addiction or other mental health issues. The program will include 4, two hours Surf therapy sessions. Gear and instruction will be provided within our Surf therapy group format. Spots are limited and are at cost suggested contribution is $250 per person. 2 Locations one in south and north OC. Stay tuned for specific dates and locations
Serene Waters Adventure Therapy 