Have you ever heard about the therapeutic power of surfing? In this article, I want to tell you about the therapeutic benefits of this water sport we love so much.
Surfing as therapy. The benefits of surfing as a therapeutic treatment
It seems that surfing and psychology are concepts that are completely unrelated. But those accustomed to putting on a wetsuit, grabbing a board, and entering the ocean know better than anyone the feeling of satisfaction and freedom that comes with practicing this sport. Connecting with nature and disconnecting from cell phones, television, and all the electronic devices that surround our daily lives brings a deep sense of peace.
Therefore, taking an introductory surfing course can be very beneficial, as it is considered one of the best sports for combating stress and anxiety. Regardless of age or physical condition, anyone can be capable of surfing, since the goal of surfing is not to stand up on the board; the real goal of surfing is to enjoy the activity.
But… can surfing serve as therapy for people with certain illnesses or pathologies? What is clear is that it can help them feel much better about themselves and escape from their daily routines for a few hours. Anxiety, stress, and depression are growing problems in today’s society. This can also lead to eating disorders or insomnia, among others.
Sport always brings relief, but surfing, thanks to its contact with nature and the adrenaline it induces, offers additional benefits. It’s these small details that make surfing a therapy to combat the minor problems of Western society. The surfer’s disconnection: being on the board, being moved by the sea, while preparing to catch your next wave. These moments make surfing a sport that revitalizes body and mind.
Furthermore, being able to share all of this through living together at a surf camp, together with other surf lovers, creates a very intense atmosphere of peace. Getting up, having breakfast, taking group surf lessons with the rest of your classmates, having lunch with them, going somewhere nearby, having a beer and sharing stories, etc. It’s simply what life is all about.
Benefits of surfing to combat anxiety
Anxiety, stress, and depression are the three most common illnesses in today’s society. This is a proven fact, and although we often overlook them, they greatly affect our lifestyles, leading us to a constant state of emotional distress. Surfing is one of the best sports for anxiety and stress, as it has a series of characteristics that promote personal development.
- Emotional well-being: Surfing produces constant improvements in self-management, communication, and the development of a positive attitude that go beyond sports and benefit the rest of our daily activities. If you’ve never practiced it before, you’ll easily see progress, and this continuous improvement increases self-confidence. It doesn’t matter if you don’t stand up in your first class; what matters is feeling the energy of the waves. The key to good personal development is avoiding frustration when something doesn’t work out and trying again.
- Non-pharmacological therapy: Free from the side effects that accompany other drug-based therapies (Always consult your doctor before substituting one therapy for another. In some cases, they should be combined). Surfing is nature, as it is practiced on beaches, surrounded by peace. Therefore, the only thing we will feel is that we are releasing stress.
- Holistic: Promotes physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. It influences the symptoms of the ailment and its origin, proving effective for the comprehensive treatment of the disease. This combination of sensations that surfing creates is difficult to understand until you experience it yourself and it hooks you. Surfing is a constant physical activity, which continuously engages our entire body. This encourages consistent development throughout the classes.
- 100% Attention: Surfing requires the concentration of all five senses. Throughout the activity, your attention is focused on performing the sport and maintaining balance on the board. During this time, all the negative thoughts that occupy our minds at other times of the day are put aside. It’s just you and the ocean. You should focus on seeing the wave, feeling the water, hearing the ocean, and, above all, enjoying it.
- Increased adrenaline: Benefits the body and promotes self-confidence, the ability to cope with stress, and anxiety relief. Dopamine also promotes a sense of well-being and counteracts the anxiety experienced by some people with depression or addictions. Surfing helps promote a positive mood and greater self-confidence.
- Disconnection: The constant use of cell phones, computers, and all types of screens affects seniors and adults. Surfing allows us to unplug from the internet and connect with ourselves. In the water, we don’t use electronic devices; we are alone with the ocean. We need to escape from stressful environments and jobs that exhaust us, and connect with nature and ourselves.
- Socialization: Although it may seem contradictory after talking about disconnection, socialization is another key factor in surfing. Surfing is a passion shared by many people, and increasingly so. At surf camps and in the water, new friendships are forged, stories are created, experiences are shared, and, above all, a bond is formed between people.
- Nature: Surfing isn’t practiced sitting in front of a computer at home; it’s practiced in the ocean. As we’ve seen in the previous points, contact with nature frees the mind from worries. Surfing allows you to discover incredible natural places, such as the best beaches in Spain and around the world for this sport.
Surf para personas con discapacidad
Surfing can be a very beneficial therapy for people with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other neurological conditions. Especially for children, this sport can promote their physical, mental, and social development, as it is an activity shared in group surfing lessons. On a surfboard, they work on aspects such as balance, coordination, concentration, attention, and the desire to excel, and they learn to deal with frustration. All of this teaches them to face new challenges and can be very beneficial in their daily lives. Water is also a medium that helps develop muscle and physical abilities, facilitating joint movement.
We have already worked with surf camps for children with disabilities. Through these camps, we have shared a unique experience with them and put our knowledge into practice so they can enjoy a unique surf camp. Surfing is a sport that offers a personalized development for each student, so anyone can have fun according to their abilities.
Likewise, adapted surfing courses are offered for people with reduced mobility. Experience with this sport tells us that regardless of your physical limitations, you will be able to ride the waves on your board. This is clearly evident in our article about Bethany Hamilton, the surfer who lost an arm surfing in Australia. Therefore, whatever your situation, if you believe you can do it, you can. The same is true for Jota, a blind surfer who is able to enjoy this sport regardless of his disability.
Surfing for people with autism
In addition to many other problems, surfing can be used to combat disorders such as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Autism is a neuropsychological disorder that creates problems in communication and social interaction with other individuals, as well as various restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior. These marked social deficits lead to a person’s interests being restricted and routine.
Surf therapy for people with autism and other similar disorders is very beneficial for students. Surfing is a sport that breaks out of the comfort zone, providing a naturally fresh environment for the student. By taking surfing courses in small groups, children improve social interaction, reflexes, physical coordination, and verbal and nonverbal communication.
What did you think of the therapeutic benefits of surfing? Would you like to try them? Come visit us at our surf camp in Suances, Cantabria..
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