A method of intervention combining surf instructing/surfing and structured individual or group activities that promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being.
*Published in the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice, and endorsed by International Surf Therapy Organization

It isn’t that much different, but its as different as the personalities that we reflect upon. Surf therapy is more-so a Vision and Mission to allow more access and visibility into Mental Health and the healing properties of nature. In this realm we honor the Ocean, but include all of the Earth’s elements and Human senses into the experience.

Our Soul Surf Sessions require pre-assessment, consultation, goal-setting, in-person surf session, post-session survey and talk therapy session that can be conducted virtually. Talk therapy is less emphasized but not dismissed if needed. If you find that you recognize a need for talk therapy sessions, we can offer 5 free or donation-only talk therapy sessions. If more is needed, we may refer you to a mental health clinician from our affiliate agency, Heart Theory Inc.

The process of holding a safe space in the ocean requires ocean competency, a personal surf or ocean regimen, and constant learning curve aiming at best practices in the field. As this field is inclusive of gifts and talents from intersecting arenas, we find it entirely important to acknowledge that Surf Therapy is a personal endeavor that various agencies and professional realms define in their own capacities. We require a year commitment whether a volunteer or intern, as it gives enough time to learn through the ocean conditions, surf levels, and build sustainable practices. Our hope is that it feels more like an emotion shifting and adjusting through change.

Ofcourse! We have designed our program to honor the need of clinical aspects as well as the life and surf skills to essentially allow us to flow as an agency. This is our way of designing an inclusive program.

We focus on individual skill levels as practitioners, our own capacities and thresholds, and limitations. Once we align and acknowledge our strengths and challenges as a guide or mentor through the process of immersing into our weekly training and paddle-outs at the beach, we develop our unique leadership skills and work through our blind spots to provide the best service that we are able to. We delve into expressive arts therapies, collaborate with other agencies aligned in our work, community agencies and leaders, and researchers in the field to continue our growth potential.

International Surf Therapy Organization is a  non-profit organization leading global surf therapy research. For more information and links to current research, please click here: Int’l Surf Therapy Org.

Register to volunteer by clicking here and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

We mainly meet in Ventura, California and have holistic coaches partnered with us along the coast. If we are not accessible to you, we will assist in finding similar programming in your area best we can.

That's perfect. We dedicate a minimum of 4 introductory surf sessions to increase ocean competency and surf skills, and beginner levels help us to achieve our mission.

Yes! You can book a surf therapy session by first filling out our Pre-Assessment form so that we can better serve you. PREASSESSMENT

As long as we have your size in our collection of donations from our sponsors and volunteers, you do not need equipment. However, we may delay our session if we are finding the right size quiver / suit. We are aiming to provide 100% and having them available!

Session durations last 90 minutes for individual or family sessions, and 120 minutes for group.