Every Wave is a New Beginning.
Groundswell offers trauma-informed surf therapy programs led by licensed clinicians and open to anyone who is ready to let the ocean in.
How our programs work
Licensed clinicians. Small groups. The ocean as medicine.
Every Groundswell program is led by a licensed therapist and follows our Groundswell Surf Therapy™ model — a trauma-informed, somatic approach that uses the ocean as both a clinical tool and a healing environment. Groups are small by design, and about two-thirds of each session happens on the sand before anyone gets in the water.
What every session includes
Program types
We meet organizations where they are.
Half daySingle-Day Programs
For organizations that want to offer their community a first experience of surf therapy. Each session runs for a half day and follows our full Groundswell Surf Therapy™ curriculum.
- Girl Groms
- Slavics.org
4 to 8 weeksMulti-Week Programs
Some communities need more than one session to build the trust, safety, and rhythm that makes real healing possible. Our multi-week programs are designed for organizations running structured programs where participants return together over 4 to 8 weeks and build something with each other in the process.
- Pain Trauma Institute
- Generate Hope
- Casa de Amistad
Monthly · bi-monthly · retreatsCustom & Recurring
Not every program fits a standard format — and that's okay. We work with partners to design recurring programs that fit their clinical goals, schedule, and population. Monthly sessions, bi-monthly programming, or a custom retreat.
- Element Q (bi-monthly)
- Students Shoulder to Shoulder
Who we serve
The ocean is for everyone.
Our programs are free and open to anyone who could benefit from surf therapy — no matter your background, body, ability, age, or experience in the water. We have served women, girls, youth, elders, LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, refugees, veterans, people living with chronic pain, and mental health professionals. If you're suffering physically, emotionally, or mentally, and you're curious what the ocean might do for you, you belong here.
Communities we have served
- Women
- Girls
- Youth
- Elders
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Immigrants
- Refugees
- Veterans
- People living with chronic pain
- Mental health professionals
Free and open to anyone — no matter your background, body, ability, age, or experience in the water.
Impact in numbers
Healing you can measure.
of participants report improved mental health and emotional resilience
reduction in PTSD symptoms
Peer-reviewed, Queen Margaret University
improvement in overall mental wellbeing
Peer-reviewed
“I've been in trauma therapy for 6 years. In 8 weeks of surf therapy, I healed in ways I never imagined possible.”
“Surfing taught me to meet my body with curiosity instead of judgment. The ocean doesn't ask for perfection — only presence.”
“Groundswell's partnership has offered our clients a positive and empowering community — one that encourages deep self-discovery, body connection, and healing through nature.”
Partner with us
Bring a program to your community.
Groundswell partners with treatment centers, clinics, schools, recovery programs, and community organizations across San Diego to co-create surf therapy programming tailored to your community's needs.
What we bring
- Licensed clinical facilitation for every session
- Full CAMFT-accredited Groundswell Surf Therapy™ curriculum
- All gear — boards, wetsuits, and safety equipment
- Water liability insurance
- Pre and post program outcome reporting
- Bilingual facilitation as needed
Want to experience surf therapy?
Our programs run through community partner organizations and are always free to participants. The best way to experience Groundswell is to join one of our free monthly Sand & Sea community events — open to everyone, no registration required beyond a quick RSVP.
If you'd like to support the work as a donor or volunteer, we'd love to have you.