S.A.L.T.

SURFING AS LIFE THERAPY

Surf Therapy at WOW

Surfing is therapeutic: a day at the beach, a healthy dose of vitamin D, sand between your toes, the salt water, the push and pull of the tide, gentle breeze and crashing waves…pair that with the rush that comes with harnessing the power of the ocean and experiencing the exhilarating joy of riding atop a wave; all of It feels so good.

Not only does surfing feel good, but it also does a wealth of good for the mind, body, and spirit. It’s not rocket science, but it is backed by science and from personal experience along with a little common sense, we’re convinced that surfing in combination with a few other key ingredients has the potential be life-enhancing and life-changing for many if not all.

At WOW we use surfing as a vehicle to improve health and well being; inviting people into an experience of community that nurtures healing, growth, and empowerment.

OUR APPROACH

  • Safety

    Creating a physically and emotionally safe space for our people is paramount. It is important that everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and free to be themselves when participating in our programs and events.

  • Nature

    We invite people into spaces that are rich in biodiversity, where nature is greater, affording countless options for individuals to interact and develop a unique relationship with their environment.

  • Community

    Positive outcomes increase when we come together in community, meeting new people who look, feel, and share the same highs and lows of life while supporting one another on our collective and individual journeys.

  • Growth

    Personal growth is not defined by success or failure but rather an individual’s sense of mastery and achievement from overcoming obstacles or learning new skills as they realize and progress towards self-selected goals.

  • Access

    Dismissing stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and overcoming obstacles that have traditionally kept people out of the water gives rise to hope and increases opportunities for those who never considered surfing a possibility.

  • Stoke

    Combined these elements offer an exhilarating natural high, an inexplicable euphoria of joy, excitement, and positivity for our athletes that we refer to as ‘the stoke’. It’s what we strive for, so if you’re not feeling it, we’re not doing our job.

Youth Camps

With an emphasis on reaching undeserved communities here in Costa Rica and abroad, our youth camps extend invitations to kids that have a desire but have traditionally lacked opportunities to participate in surfing.

 

“When coming from places of hardship or trauma, sometimes kids just need space to be kids.”

Adaptive Surf

Recognizing the personal challenges and barriers that many individuals have overcome with respect to physical and cognitive disabilities, we’ve designed surf camp to be a place where they can celebrate these achievements and be further encouraged and enabled to reach new and exciting milestones.

“As a powerful vehicle for healing and restoration, we believe surfing should be available and accessible to EVERYONE.”

Recovery

For those recovering from chemical dependencies we offer an alternative to mainstream travel, combining surf with activities, counseling and workshops focused on a healthy approach to the human experience, learning to cope with pain and suffering while finding joy and fulfillment from a life being made whole again.

Outreach

While we believe that surf therapy can be beneficial for anyone we are particularly focused on reaching and serving the following populations:

Underserved and At-Risk Youth
People with Disabilities and Impairments
Survivors of Sexual Assault
Veterans & First Responders
Individuals Recovering from Chemical Dependencies

If you or someone you know may benefit from participating in our surf therapy initiatives, please do not hesitate to reach out today!

“Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Mark 9:50

 Get involved

Program like this don’t work without people like you. If you or someone you know would like to get involved as an athlete, therapist, volunteer, sponsor, partnering organization, or donor, reach out and let us know!