Waves of Wellness

Since 2016, WOW has successfully delivered 413 surf therapy programs to 4,458 participants in 10 locations across NSW, VIC, QLD and WA, providing over 28,000 occasions of service.

WOW breaks down barriers to traditional mental health support by offering free, inclusive, and accessible eight-week surf therapy programs, led by trained mental health professionals. These programs offer a unique and appealing form of mental health support, significantly reducing stigma and intimidation that often accompany traditional options.

Each weekly session includes a one-hour mental health discussion, incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques. Topics range from stress management to healthy relationships and self-esteem. Following this, participants enjoy a one-hour surfing lesson, designed to reinforce mental health concepts through physical activity, social connection, and mindfulness.

To give you an idea of how your donation can make an impact, $538 can support one person through a full eight-week mental health surf therapy program, while $7,000 can fund an entire eight-week program for up to 13 individuals struggling with their mental health. 

Here are a few testimonials from participants that highlight the impact of our programs:

“I was lucky enough to be a participant in WOW’s PTSD program, and I can safely say this may have just saved my life.”

"If I wake up having a really bad day, I always think, ok I have surfing today, that's something to push forward to.”

“It helped me more with my mental health than weeks of psychology sessions”