Surfing as Therapy

Using Surfing as Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Do you ever think about how recreational activities are helpful for the mental wellbeing and physical health of individuals? Especially individuals facing mental well-being issues like depression, emotional disorders, and even addiction.

In fact, there is research about “ocean therapy,” which often refers to “surf programs” (or surf therapy). Being in a natural environment like the ocean can have remarkable psychological benefits and lead to improved physical and mental well-being.

For people in addiction recovery – those for whom physical activity and surf sessions can be extremely helpful – this is a unique way to overcome their health challenges. Whether it’s you or your loved one, and whether they’re facing a major depressive disorder or struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, a surf therapy program can help.

But how is surfing as a therapy unique? Why is it good for battling mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? What is it and what goes on in it? We’ll answer that and all your other questions here, but you can always reach out to South Shores Recovery for a more helpful discussion based on your needs.

Why Use a Surf Therapy Program in Addiction Recovery?

Addiction is a complex battle, we understand that. It’s not just a battle with illegal drugs and alcohol abuse, it is a fight against different health issues. For instance, the Department of Justice published a report indicating how addiction can lead to numerous mental health conditions, including:

• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• Suicidal ideation
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

The range of challenges like that is endless. However, what’s important is that surf therapy is a way to combat all of those mental health problems and addictions. Since traditional therapies don’t always work for everyone the same way, surfing (or ocean therapy, as many like to call it) brings a holistic approach to recovery.

The ocean has a calming and immersive effect on the body and the mind. There’s research suggesting how surf therapy programs can help individuals feel more connected to their bodies. For those who are learning to surf for the first time, it has a noticeable impact on their self-esteem and confidence as well.

Are There Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Surf Therapy?

Yes, there are psychological and emotional benefits of surfing therapy programs. Whether it’s just you or your whole family taking part in ocean therapy, the mental health benefits are significant. For instance, it helps you learn new skills, develop existing ones, and become a better version of yourself.

For those battling addiction – and those who have been doing it for the longest time – understand how precious these little victories are. Even though surfing is a simple activity, it gives you a space where you can reconnect with yourself and work toward inner peace. Here’s more!

Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

One of the first signs of well-being promotion through surfing is a higher level of confidence. You feel more confident, and more sure about yourself when you catch your first wave. At South Shores Recovery, we have seen our clients go from trying to balance themselves on the surfboard to catching waves one after another without sitting low.

The small wins like learning to hold yourself on the board or riding the first waves, are small wins. Slowly, they amount to more significant accomplishments and as a way, help you or your loved one overcome their depression – or other health problems.

Not only that, our professionals also believe that entering an unfamiliar environment like the ocean is itself a form of therapy. You learn to embrace the new challenges, the new skills, and everything that comes with it. As a result, you are better able to face the “unpredictable,” more attuned to faster learning, and might even build inner resilience faster.

Helps You Develop Persistence and Resilience

Another great impact of ocean therapy is the way it helps a person become more resilient. If you or anyone from your friends or family member has ever faced a mental health issue, you understand how difficult it can be to be consistent with your routine.

Even the simplest tasks can seem daunting and it feels as if the progress you’re making is negligible. However, ocean therapy helps you face the reality that “not every wave will be perfect”. Sometimes, even the best surfers experience wipeouts. Therefore, South Shores Recovery encourages a growth mindset, so you can achieve higher inner resilience and mental strength.

Time to Practice Mindfulness (and Emotional Regulation)

What happens when you’re surfing? You focus on the waves and you focus on your breathing, trying to balance yourself throughout the ride. This simple yet powerful process is quite effective in helping people experience mindfulness.

Our experts believe that being in the present moment helps build awareness. Because of that, it is easier to focus on things that matter the most and let go of things that don’t, with the latter being:

• Distractions
• Emotional stress
• Intrusive thoughts

When these negative emotions, or at least their negative effects lower, you experience an improved emotional state. Consequently, you become more skilled and more effective at regulating your emotions for better wellness over time.

How Can Surfing Enhance Social Connections?

A common question is whether surf therapy can affect the overall emotional well-being of a person. We believe – and as scientific data suggests – that it can. Through surfing, you can experience a surge of positive emotions, starting from higher confidence and self-esteem. More importantly, these emotions tie into your ability to engage socially.

As you become more confident and experience an improved self-image, you are able to connect more openly with others. This contrasts with the isolation experienced by most individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders.

Surf therapies, as engaging as they are on their own, are a great exercise to meet new people. Through South Shores Recovery itself, you can build new connections with people who share the same experiences and the same struggles. This not only helps you break away from the stigma and isolation of addiction but also experience higher emotional safety.

What Does the International Surf Therapy Organization Say?

When you engage with the natural world around you, your body becomes more accustomed to regulating stress hormones like “cortisol.” We don’t say that on our own, there’s scientific research from 2022 claiming that.

And when it comes to holistic treatment methods like surf therapy programs, the International Surf Therapy Organization indicates that there can be positive psychological changes. That’s because a surfing experience is more than spending time in nature. It’s an avenue for social interaction and self-care.

It can help you regulate your emotions by helping you work through different feelings – like that rush of adrenaline, some fear mixed with excitement as you try to ride the first phase and the second phase of a giant wave. Here’s how the International Surf Therapy Organization suggests ocean surfing can help:

• Reduced anxiety and stress – The ocean has a calming effect and more than that, the focus that you need to surf can help you “declutter” your mind, which is often associated with anxiety and depression.
• More effective emotional regulation – Through surf therapy, you or your loved ones can experience better emotional control. It will help you have a better understanding of your emotions and manage through the best, healthy practices.
• Physical health benefits – There’s no denying that physical activity in surfing can lead to better overall physical health. You achieve better balance, core strength, endurance, and much more which is also effective in addiction recovery.
• Better sense of accomplishment – Be it warm-up or the completion of the first session, surfing brings a sense of self-efficacy that can boost your confidence. It can improve your self-esteem and help you break free of emotional distress to understand your true strength as an individual.

Are you or a loved one struggling to find their footing in a world full of distractions? Let us help you live in the present moment, through our surf therapy program and comprehensive addiction treatment services. Get in touch with South Shores Recovery, and opt for a confidential consultation right away.

What Does It Mean by “Adaptive Surfing” and “Inclusive Surfing”?

What is adaptive or inclusive surfing? It is a way to refer to surfing individuals with special needs and abilities. Some people, because of their own abilities (or health challenges), feel ‘restricted’ when it comes to social integration and recreational activities.

But at South Shores Recovery, we believe that learning social skills and working towards emotional well-being is a right for everyone. And, this includes our beloved clients, or their loved ones, who face a mental or physical disability.

Therefore, our personal staff is on their toes, ready to help our clients. We take care of special equipment and support to make every necessary resource available to you. So, you can enjoy the recreational activities as everyone else, thanks to adaptive equipment.

Through that, we have witnessed our clients achieve remarkable personal growth and recovery. Be it post-traumatic stress disorder or any other major disorder, our staff has witnessed significant mental health improvements. Not only that, adaptive surfing has helped numerous clients of ours experience the therapeutic elements of surf therapy that lead to higher confidence – and self-esteem.

How Can You Make Surf Therapy a Part of Your Recovery?

But how can I make surf therapy a part of my treatment program? Well, one of the best ways you can do that is to talk to your rehab facilitator or healthcare provider at the center. South Shores Recovery has a team of experts that can help.

Another great way is to get into a local surf therapy program. This is one of those “other treatments” aimed at enhancing mental health and allowing you to achieve better emotional regulation. When you join a local surf therapy program, you can interact with others and discover which participants completed the program successfully – and how.

You can also sign up for any specialized surfing lessons online and plan a trip for a more comprehensive and personal experience. Whatever you do, remember that your focus should be on positive psychological outcomes and working toward improved mental health.

Time to Embrace Surfing as a Lifeline

Are you struggling with mental health conditions? Whether active duty service members or ordinary citizens facing chronic mental health symptoms, South Shores Recovery is here to help you. We are home to a team of compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced professionals.

At South Shores Recovery, surf therapy sessions are one of many effective mental wellness and physical activity-focused treatment methods. Here, we focus on your mental health problems, your addiction disorder, and any other challenge you’re facing.

We work together, with you, to get to the root cause of those issues and challenges, so you and your loved ones can break free from the negativity that’s impacting your life. Take a seat in the calm and supportive environment that our rehab facility offers to our beloved clients.

Find out how a surf therapy program can lead to positive emotions and a positive impact on the lives of your friends, family members, and more importantly, you!

From helping reduce symptoms of debilitating mental health problems to managing withdrawal symptoms, we see ocean surfing as one of the most helpful, adventurous treatment methods. If you would like to join the South Shores community and ride the waves for yourself, please reach out for a confidential consultation today!