Surf Therapy: A Unique Approach to Mental Health in the Rockaways

The "Ride the Tide" Surf Therapy Program

• 🌊 "Ride the Tide" is a surf therapy program in the Rockaways offering a unique approach to mental health challenges.
• 🧘‍♀️ Sessions combine land-based activities like art, discussions, and yoga-like warm-ups with time spent in the ocean.
• 🤝 The program provides a safe and non-judgmental community for individuals struggling with various mental health issues.

Benefits of Surf Therapy

• 💡 Participants report experiencing mental clarity and a sense of peace, helping to "wash away" negative emotions.
• 🎯 Surf therapy can assist individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and those who have experienced trauma or loss.
• 🗣️ It offers an alternative to traditional talk therapy, allowing individuals to process issues through the lens of surfing and calming activities.

Facilitation and Research

• 🧑‍🏫 Sessions are guided by surf therapy facilitators and mental health practitioners, with safety volunteers present.
• 📈 While not a first-line treatment, research suggests that water-based activities can positively impact social connectedness and reduce depressive symptoms.
• ⛰️ The program encourages participants to challenge themselves comfortably, helping to move past mental blocks.

Accessibility and Self-Care

• 🏖️ "Ride the Tide" acknowledges that even getting to the beach can be a challenge for some.
• 💰 The program offers a sliding scale of fees, with options ranging from pay-what-you-can to $75 for a private session.
• ✨ Surf therapy is highlighted as a valuable component of healthy self-care, promoting a sense of being "one with it."