When the Ocean Becomes Medicine: Understanding Surf Therapy

Surf therapy goes far beyond learning to surf — it’s where the ocean becomes a partner in healing. Unlike a traditional surf lesson focused on technique or performance, surf therapy combines the natural rhythm of the waves with mindfulness, somatic practices, and community connection to help participants feel safe, grounded, and alive in their bodies again. Rooted in both science and lived experience, it draws on the ocean’s proven ability to calm the nervous system, boost mood, and build resilience — reminding us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, but in connection with nature, movement, and one another.

Partner Spotlight: Mindful Waves

In Nosara, Costa Rica, Mindful Waves is creating safe, supportive spaces for women to connect with the ocean and themselves. Founded by Dani after her own personal transformation through surfing, the program now partners with local mental health organization Nosara Siente to bring surf therapy to women and children in the community. Through intentional rituals, circles of belonging, and a deep respect for the sea, Mindful Waves empowers women to heal, grow, and reclaim their strength. Rooted in Groundswell’s global movement, they are building ripples of impact that reach far beyond the shoreline.

Twelve women from around the world came together in the lush jungles of Costa Rica — not just to learn to surf, but to reclaim their confidence, self-love, and freedom. Designed for first-time and beginner surfers, Emerge blended somatic therapy, sisterhood, and the healing power of the ocean. What unfolded was more than a retreat—it was transformation. From belly laughs to emotional breakthroughs, every wave held space for growth.

Some were there for surf therapy, others were there for facilitator training, but once again, we were all connected by a love for the ocean and a desire to learn how to help heal ourselves and others. We started the day with introductions and our first grounding circle, where we learned we wouldn’t know what we were doing each day until the morning (a both exhilarating and terrifying prospect for a planner such as myself)  and then headed out to the beach for our first exercise. Once again, there was something special about being able to learn about surf therapy with the sun on our faces and the gentle waves lapping the shore behind us as we embodied sea creatures, discussed blue and red mind theory, and collected items from the shore that spoke to us. After the first session we were told “go play in or around the ocean,” which was music to my ears.