With our spectacular coastline, it’s no surprise that surfing is a popular pastime here in West Wales.
As well as being an exhilarating hobby, studies have shown that surfing can be hugely therapeutic and has proven benefits for both physical and mental health. It’s something award-winning local project Tonic Surf Therapy are passionate about.
Delivering epic surf therapy sessions at the stunning locations of Newgale, Poppit Sands and Borth beaches, the Tonic Surf therapy team support people of all ages living with a range of physical and mental health conditions.
Now in its eighth year, Tonic Surf Therapy is supported by a number of care partners, including West Wales Action for Mental Health, Hywel Dda University Health Board, BBC Children in Need, CAHMS, Walking on Water Surf School, Change Step, CAIS and Clynfyw Care Farm.
As well as offering traditional surfing experiences, the Tonic team have also worked with Cerebra, Swansea Metropolitan University and JP Surf boards on developing a Surf Access Vehicle (SAV) to assist seated surfers in their adaptive surf sessions. (If you’re interested in watching how the team tested the SAV and first seated board, check out the YouTube video here.)
Tonic Surf Therapy founder Kwame Salam explains:
“We work with people of all ages, from all walks of life. Currently our main working partnerships are with Under 18s funded by BBC Children in Need, a large military veterans program working with Change Step and our regular work with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Our service users get professional surf instruction from staff with experience in disability work, ABA therapy and mental health training, and support from our amazing, trained volunteers.
We use the ocean and its surrounding area as a recovery tool for students on mental health spectra, those with learning disabilities, veterans dealing with P.T.S.D, carers and people dealing with alcohol and substance misuse. I could talk about the advantages of ‘blue space’ on mental health and wellbeing but, fundamentally, when you leave the beach you feel better then when you arrived, and we’re blessed to have this natural healing environment on our doorstep. Our motto is that everyone needs a little ‘Vitamin SEA’! And we know it works – every time we go out on the water we see beautiful and inspirational results.”
Tonic Surf Therapy are currently looking for volunteers and potential trustees. There’s also a fundraiser in progress for an official therapy centre. So, if you think you can help, or know someone who might benefit from their services, please message Kwame via the Tonic Surf Therapy Facebook page or email walkinonwater@hotmail.co.uk.
To find out more about Tonic Surf Therapy, you can also visit the West Wales Action for Mental Health website and follow them on Instagram.
