Why learning to surf can be great for your mental health, according to a psychologist

Evidence showing the mental health benefits of surfing ranges from improving self-esteem and reducing social isolation.

Nothing clears the mind like going for a surf. With the escapism and simplicity of riding waves, it’s no secret that surfing feels good.

Now our preliminary study in children and adolescents adds to growing evidence that surfing really is good for your mental health.

But you don’t have to have a mental illness to get the benefits. Here’s how you can use what we’re learning from our research to boost your own mental health.

Evidence showing the mental health benefits of surfing ranges from improving self-esteem and reducing social isolation to treating depression and other mental disorders.

Such evidence mainly comes from specific surf therapy programs. These combine supportive surfing instruction with one-to-one or group activities that promote psychosocial wellbeing.

At their core, most of these programs provide participants with the challenge of learning to surf in an emotionally safe environment.

Any benefits to mental health are thought to arise through: an increased sense of social connection, a sense of accomplishment that people can transfer to other activities, respite from the day-to-day stressors due to the all-encompassing focus required when surfing, the physiological response when surfing, including the reduction of stress hormones and the release of mood-elevating neurotransmitters, exercising in a natural environment, in particular “blue spaces” (on or near water).