MindSurf
What is surf therapy?
Surf therapy is a structured approach to surfing to achieve therapeutic benefits of psychological, physical, and psychosocial well-being. Surf therapy is particularly helpful for children on the autism spectrum, and adults experiencing posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Our expertise.
We created Australia’s first non-clinical surf therapy program for the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Department of Defence, in collaboration with Western Sydney University, where Rusty is completing a Ph.D. in surf therapy. Our results show significant reductions in measures of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as improvements in social connectivity and well-being. We are also working on a similar program with NSW Police.
Read Rusty’s published paper here.
More information on our registered charity, Veteran Surf Project here.
How does our MindSurf surf therapy help?
Surfing combines physical activity, skill acquisition, mindfulness, social support, and exposure to nature. These elements have a synergistic effect in reducing symptoms, and increasing positive affect, self-efficacy and emotional regulation, which are transferable to other life domains.
How is MindSurf different to a regular surf lesson?
We use a trauma informed approach to deliver our MindSurf sessions by adapting for physical or psychological impairments, and setting smaller, more attainable goals to build self-confidence and resilience capacity, which can then be applied to other life domains. MindSurf sessions are slower-paced, longer and include social integration as determined by each participant. Sessions are led by peers with lived experience.
Pricing:
Private (1:1) MindSurf session - $250 for 3 hours.
Group MindSurf session - $150 per person for 3 hours.
Funding?
We can work with your NDIS, DVA or Workcover provider or client manager to arrange a funding plan.
Testimonials
“ My son has been surfing with Gerringong Surf School since 2018.
He experienced the joy of surfing for the first time at “Surfing the Spectrum” in 2018 when he was 8 years old and afraid of the water and sand.
We had tried all kinds of team sports, but our son didn’t really take to any of them.
We were always determined that his ASD would not stop him from challenging himself and giving everything within reason a go.
He really enjoyed his first time on a board with Rusty, so we signed up for weekly group lessons with the surf school.
He never looked back.
5 years later he surfs up to 3 times a week, and in private sessions with the coaches, even travelling to “Urban Surf” in Melbourne with the boys.
Surfing is literally the only therapy we do now. For so many reasons it has been life changing. Surfing supports all of his goals and more.
Not only has he become fitter and stronger, he has developed balance, gross and fine motor skills and dramatically improved his ability to interact independently in a social environment and improve his executive functioning.
He has a strong sense of passion, success and identity, and a place to emotionally regulate and build resilience.
The coaches have been nothing but brilliant. They have not only taught our son how to surf, but how to hold himself confidently and independently in his world.
They are mentors and friends and exceptional role models, finding new opportunities in every session to teach him life skills.
Surfing has completely changed our sons life, and seeing how happy, confident and passionate he is with his board under his arm is just the greatest joy.
I have so much gratitude to Rusty. Jordie and all of the boys for providing this opportunity for him. They have become like family. For all of us.
I cannot recommend surfing highly enough for all kids.. especially those needing to build them selves up that little bit more to face the world :) ”