8-Week Surf
Therapy Program
Our eight-week program combines the 'blue room therapy' approach, combining mental health discussion with the therapeutic benefits and appeal of surfing.
What is WOW’s
Surf Therapy Program?
Welcome to the WOW Surf Therapy Program, a free, eight-week nature based group where you will learn skills to take care of your wellbeing and mental health, spend time in nature and complete a beginner friendly learn-to-surf program (don’t worry we aren’t here to make pro surfers, just to have a little fun!). Our program uses the therapeutic benefits of being in natural blue spaces and moving your body, alongside learning something new and fun, connecting with people just like yourself in a safe space without judgment or stigma, and learning new skills to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
Express your Interest
If you would like to join one of our free, 8-week surf therapy programs, please follow the link below to express your interest, and we’ll be in touch with you soon!
What to Expect
During a Session?
Our 8-week surf therapy program is designed to improve physical and mental health through a structured, supportive approach. Facilitated by mental health-trained facilitators who are either trained surf instructors or partnering with them, the program combines mental health and well-being support with movement and practical surfing skills. Each session fosters a non-competitive, inclusive environment for you to explore and achieve improved wellbeing, whatever that looks like for you.
We’ll start each session on the sand, where we'll dive into a different mental health theme, sharing practical tips and skills. It’s a safe space for everyone to share their experiences, learn from each other, and support one another.
Expression Session
It's time to get wet! Surfing is a great way to process feelings that come up during our talks. You can practice surfing each week while using coping strategies we discuss. Plus, the ocean is a perfect, calm space for one-on-one check-ins with facilitators if you need a little extra support.
Learn-to-Surf
We can't wait to see you at the WOW van where you'll meet our friendly facilitator and get your surfboard and wetsuit ready for some fun! Our main goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and included in this experience.
Meet at the Van
The Weekly Themes
In our 8-week Surf Therapy program, you'll engage in the expression sessions on the beach where we’ll explore new themes each week. By the end of the program, you'll have a comprehensive toolkit to help you effectively manage your mental health and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Week 1
Stress and Problem Solving
Week 2
Healthy Relationships
Week 3
Mindfullness
Week 4
Self-Esteem & Healthy Living
Week 5
Managing Change
Week 6
Overview and Summary
Week 7
What is Wellness?
Week 8
Review and Reflection
Who Can Join a Program?
We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, offering program streams for women's mental health, men's mental health, young people, veterans, emergency services personnel, and open mental health programs. Our sessions are designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and connecting with others.
We strive to provide all our program streams across the states, based on the availability of our scheduled sessions, you can check our website to see what programs we have coming up.
Where can you
join a program?
We currently offer our surf therapy programs across four states. NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, with programs run at the following site locations:
- Bondi, Manly, URBNSurf Sydney, and Cronulla in NSW
- URBNSurf Melbourne, VIC
- Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast in QLD
- Perth in WA
We are committed to providing a variety of program streams in each state, and our offerings may vary based on scheduled session availability. You can find the latest updates and upcoming programs on our website.
How can you join
a program?
Our surf therapy programs are free for all participants because everyone should have access to mental health support. If you would like to express your interest in joining an upcoming program, please follow the link below, and we will be in touch soon!
We offer four blocks of programs each year:
Block 1: Jan - Mar;
Block 2: Apr - June;
Block 3: July - Sept
Block 4: Oct - Dec.
If you can’t see a suitable program below, it may mean that the program is full or we don’t have an upcoming program in your area. However, you can still express your interest to be notified when a program becomes available.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our programs, please get in contact with our Programs Manager at info@foundationwow.org
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