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We’re Australia's leading surf therapy charity,
revolutionising mental health treatment through
the transformative power of surfing.

We’re here to ensure everyone has access to mental health support that’s there for them and works for them.

Waves of Wellness (WOW) Foundation is a mental health surf therapy charity committed to changing lives by delivering free, innovative, for-purpose support programs for people experiencing mental health challenges. We believe dealing with mental health is not just about dealing with a crisis; it’s also about finding healthy outlets for people who are struggling, recovering, and doing fine.

What is Surf Therapy?

Surf therapy is an innovative approach to mental health support that merges group therapy, primarily grounded in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), with the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors.

This unique method delivers intentional, inclusive, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions, promoting psychological, physical, and psychosocial well-being by harnessing the transformative power of surfing and the natural environment.

Through surf therapy, participants experience significant mental health improvements in a supportive and invigorating setting.

Our 8-Week Surf Therapy Program

Dive into the WOW Surfing Experience (WOWSE), an immersive 8-week program tailored to support individuals navigating mental health challenges. Led by expert mental health clinicians, each week unfolds a new theme, blending guided group discussions with the rejuvenating power of surfing. Discover a unique, supportive approach that promotes resilience, connection, and personal growth—all set against the backdrop of the open sea.

8-Week Program

We deliver an 8-week evidence-based group surf therapy programs to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Tailored to Needs

We have 5 clinical-based therapy programs for men, women, youth, veterans, emergency
and service workers.

Trained Facilitators

Programs are led by our mental health facilitators, who also double as qualified surf instructors.

Free

Our programs are absolutely free for our participants to ensure there is no financial barrier for anyone who needs help.

  • “I had such a wonderful time and it was a truly transformative experience. It was empowering to talk about sensitive and vulnerable issues surrounding mental health. Sharing is not easy for me and I felt very safe and respected in our group. I began to see implicit stigma in my daily life and in my own thought patterns.”

    Clemence, 23: WOW Program Volunteer

  • “I feel like the program has shown me I shouldn’t be scared, or let my fear get in the way of trying new things. I shouldn’t be afraid of going out and having a surf or going out and meeting people. It has definitely changed me, I’ve been feeling a lot better since the start of the program”.

    Justin, 20: WOW Program Participant

  • “I was recently medically discharged after 24 years in the military and I needed something new to help set short term goals. I am so grateful that programs like this exists to help those who are genuinely in need without the bureaucracy that sometimes come from asking for help. For me having the option of a women’s group gave me the courage to sign up and was huge incentive to keep turning up each week for our chats on the sand.”

    Female Participant, Women’s WOWSE, Newcastle

Your Mental Health Matters

Waves of Wellness is not a crisis service, but we want to ensure you can access the right support.

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, it's important to seek immediate assistance by calling
Triple Zero (000).

Here are some support options available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Lifeline 131 114
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800