The WOW Factor: Participant Scott Shares His Story

Scott, third from left during the Gold Coast program

Scott, 52, participated in WOW’s first-ever Veterans’ Program run on Kirra Beach (QLD) in October 2021.

“You can’t stop the waves, so learn to ride them!”

Scott served in the army for 29 years, and since leaving in 2018 he now dedicates a large amount of his time and energy volunteering with different organisations providing peer support to other veterans who may be struggling. The WOW program was an opportunity for Scott to take some time for himself to fill up his own cup and invest in his wellbeing.

“After being in the army, I tend to be quite solitary. There are times when I had feelings of anxiety and depression and I wouldn’t go outside for a week”

Scott heard about WOW on social media and took the plunge when a fellow veteran motivated him to sign up. Scott shared that before the program it could be a challenge for him to commit to something for eight weeks, especially with a group of people he didn’t know. However, during the program he found that it was okay to be vulnerable and he developed a connection with the group.

“The rewarding part of the program was that it became something I looked forward to each week. The group bonded really quickly.”

The eight-week WOWSE program fosters a safe space where participants can come down to the beach and share their lived experiences, connect and learn from each other. Each week the program addresses a different mental health theme facilitated by mental health clinicians who are also trained surf instructors. 

“Something I have learnt during this program is that you are not alone, you are not doing this on your own, there are plenty of people with mental health challenges and they are still functioning.” 

Scott grew up surfing but that took a back seat while he was in the military. Whilst learning about the benefits to his mental health, the gradual approach of the program also helped Scott to overcome fear he had about his ability getting back to surfing. 

“The WOW program also helped me to deal with my injuries in a different way, and change my perspective. I was told by my doctor that I would never parachute again, which put a lot of fear in me to do other things. I felt that I was injured and couldn't do it. However I found that with the right support I got that sense that I can do it. “

At WOW, we celebrate each win and a highlight for Scott was going across a green wave on his own for the first time.

“When I caught my first green wave on my own without being pushed was really rewarding. It felt more in control being on the green wave. It felt great!”

“Everyone thinks it's a surfing program, but it's way more than a surfing program. Surfing is an amazing part of it but it's the time on the beach and the discussion each week that really counts. There were some great conversations just had out in the waves. “

Since completing the program Scott has used some of the tools shared during the sessions in harder times, and finds going to the beach for a walk, swim or surf is like pressing a reset button. Scott has recently got a foam surfboard for his daughter and looks forward to going surfing together when she feels more confident. He is also motivated to become a surf mentor and share his life experiences as a volunteer in the next WOW Veterans’ Program.

As Scott puts it, “You can’t stop the waves, so learn to ride them!” 

Interviewed by Sarah Farlow, Gold Coast Facilitator.

We’re all about bringing the WOW factor to mental health, so keep an eye out for these magic case studies in the future as we dive deep into what makes people tick, and the essence of their experience with WOW. If you'd like to share your story, drop us a line!