2020 has been challenging for everyone. And while a lot remains uncertain, we know for a fact that exercises such as salt water therapy and surfing, can help with stress, managing anxiety, and mental wellbeing.

Increasingly people are recognising the positive effect surfing has on our mental health and there are a number of amazing organisations using surfing therapy to help those in need. In light on Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day, Euphoric Threads want to give a big shout-out to one particular charity doing amazing things in this field:

One Wave Is All It Takes

OneWave is a non-profit surf community raising awareness of mental health, through saltwater therapy, surfing and fluorescent euphoric colours.

 

 

I first came across this amazing community two years ago whilst out for my early morning run along Australia’s Bondi Beach in Sydney. I saw a group of colourfully dressed guys and gals all dressed up in vibrant neon fluro colours and Hawaiian leis, and knew straight away we had to be friends. Like a moth to a lamp – I ran over to investigate what the “club” was and what they were all up to. I was greeted by friendly smiles and invited to join in and sit down with them all. A lady handed me a tropical lei, and one guy came over, gave me a hug and painted some fluro colour on my face. (LOVED this crew already!) We all sat in a circle and shared stories about the week, about mental health and how everyone was feeling, then everyone was encouraged to head out for a surf together. Dope!

 

 

I found out this Friday morning meet up was called Fluro Friday, and organised by One Wave Is All It Takes.

The OneWave community run these weekly Fluro Friday sunrise sessions where the community dress up in bright outfits and share stories, surf and do yoga to raise awareness of mental health.

 

 

The community started up at Bondi Beach in 2013 and has now spread to more than 200 beaches worldwide. Fluro Friday events include beach walks, yoga, stand up paddle boarding, sausage sizzle, guest speakers and information stands from local mental health services. Even Prince Harry got involved one year! Check it out here.

What I love is EVERYONE is welcome and you don’t need to be a surfer to be involved.

 

 

Euphoric Threads and friends attended the OG Bondi Beach Fluro Fridays regularly in Australia. (Read about are Australian adventures here). I was also lucky enough to get involved in their 6th birthday celebrations and partake in a giant human chain!

Wearing bright euphoric colours and prints, and salt water therapy is 100% the cure to all anxieties! Wearing bright colours makes people happy and help start conversations about an invisible issue.

I loved being part of such a vibrant, caring community of connectedness, in a supportive environment that promotes mental health awareness and encourages discussion and acceptance. It’s OK not to be OK.

 

 

Saltwater Cure

This non-profit colourful charity was founded by Grant Trebilco after years of battling with his mental health challenges. “I thought fluro, it makes people happy, but it also makes an invisible issue visible,” says Trebilco. “It gets people asking questions about mental health.”

Trebilco, who hasn’t missed a single Fluro Friday in four years, says he probably would “have been screwed without surfing”.

OneWave believes that everyone should have the chance to ride waves and openly talk about mental health without being judged. In just six years, OneWave has created a global impact, raising awareness and reducing social stigmas around mental health issues through their Fluro Friday Sessions.

 

 

Upon returning to England this Spring I looked up my nearest beach in the South West of England and luckily found one nearby in Sidmouth, a coastal town in Devon. The One Wave UK crew were the same happy vibes – everyone was very chatty and welcoming. Ok so it wasn’t the same Australian climate and there is definitely no surf in Sidmouth but it was a great evening meeting likeminded happy beach lovers who share my passion for life, adventure, and watersports!

 

 

Instead of surfing we all had the opportunity to going kayaking, as One Wave Sidmouth had partnered with a local SUP and Kayak rental. It was a beautiful Summers evening and I met some lovely people, just a shame it was over an hours drive from me … maybe Euphoric Threads should run one in Dorset!? … watch this space!!

Check out your latest Fluro Friday here!

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions OneWave currently runs weekly Fluro Friday virtual sessions and in some locations physically distanced beach Fluro Friday sessions. Click here for information on how to join Virtual Fluro Friday’s and the list of beaches currently running Fluro Friday’s.

 

Surfing to Help with Mental Wellbeing Post Covid-19

At Euphoric Threads we are also massive fans of The Wave Project, and the work they do supporting children’s mental health is inspiring. The Wave Project’s evidence-based surf therapy courses have been proven to help children diagnosed with mental health disorders to be more emotionally resilient. These surf courses are now offered by GPs on prescription across the South West of England!

“75% of surfers say that the mental health benefits of surfing are more important to them than the physical health benefits”

The Wave surf park in Bristol has recently announced it will be partnering with The Wave Project to run innovative surf therapy programmes that will too help improve mental wellbeing and resilience for vulnerable children in Bristol. This news comes as The Wave publishes Into the Blue: Blue Health and surfing in the 21st Century, a report bringing together research into ‘blue health’, surfing therapy and its mental health and wellbeing benefits. The recent report has found that

 “Nearly 50% of non-surfers said that the mental health benefits would be their main driver to try surfing.”

Ahh-mazing. We are just so excited to see these charities growing and bringing the mental health benefits of surf therapy to even more people across the globe.

Get out there and get surfing!

If you haven’t already – Go check out The Wave Surf Park in Bristol – CLICK HERE to read about it AND get 25% off your first surf!

PLUS if you are considering a Women’s surf retreat soon – be sure to read our article on a Women’s Surf Coaching Weekend in Newquay!

 

 

What are your thoughts on surfing therapy?

Do find surfing helps your mental wellbeing?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!