Surf Therapy
Research
Ocean Mind & Deakin University
Surf Therapy Research
The people that take part in our programs always come first at Ocean Mind and we believe the best way for them to get the most from their surfing experience is to inform our programs with research and evidence.
Ocean Mind has formed a research partnership with Deakin University to use scientific evidence to continuously learn and improve our programs, to do more of “what already works well”, and to improve the experience and outcomes for our surf therapy participants.
In 2019, Deakin launched a pilot study and then later a full randomised control trial to assess the impact of the Ocean Mind Surf Therapy program on well-being. This landmark study, has yielded very promising results, showing that the program is an acceptable and feasible way to address symptoms of mental ill-health among children and adolescents. You can read more about the study in an article published in The Conversation and a scientific paper published in Psychology for Sport and Exercise. The full randomised controlled trial results will be published in late 2023.
Research partnership award
We are pleased to share that the Ocean Mind & Deakin University research partnership received the Deakin Faculty of Health 2023 Partnerships in Practice awards.
Research around the World
Surf Therapy programs have taken the world by storm, now reaching over 13 countries and counting. With each passing year, more and more countries are discovering the therapeutic benefits of surfing and the impact it can have on mental and physical well-being.
To celebrate the rich diversity of Surf Therapy, we've curated a collection of research from around the globe. From the rejuvenating effects of ocean therapy to the physical enhancements brought by surfing, this compilation illustrates the manifold ways in which Surf Therapy is enriching lives. Join us as we delve into the transformative impact of Surf Therapy and witness its life-changing influence spanning across the entire world.
This Special Issue on Surf Therapy Around the Globe in the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice is devoted to advancing the science and practice of surf therapy for diverse populations worldwide. This introductory article provides a framework for this Special Issue.