News Summary
A study by SDSU’s Jonathan Ossie shows surf therapy significantly improves PTSD symptoms in veterans. Conducted with 41 participants, the week-long program combined surfing, yoga, and peer support to foster mental health recovery. The findings suggest non-clinical environments can be more effective for veterans compared to traditional methods. Future research could help integrate surf therapy with standard treatments to enhance mental health outcomes.
San Diego, California – A recent study conducted by Jonathan Ossie, a marketing lecturer at SDSU’s Fowler College of Business, highlights the positive impacts of surf therapy on military veterans suffering from PTSD. Titled “Wave of Change: Assessing Surf Therapy’s Psychological and Physiological Benefits for Military Veterans Using Wearable Technology,” the research indicates significant improvements in mental health for participants over a week-long program.
Ossie collaborated with veterans diagnosed with PTSD, spending a week with 41 individuals, including 27 men and 14 women, all of whom are active-duty military members or veterans. The study was conducted in partnership with Operation Surf, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through surf therapy.
Throughout the program, participants received surf lessons, surfboards, and adaptive equipment to ensure maximum engagement, catering to both physical and psychological limitations. Additional activities included yoga, stretching, and peer-support sessions, collectively described as “surf activities.” Surf therapy is recognized for its potential therapeutic qualities, drawing on the restorative powers of the ocean.
The study noted that participants experienced considerable improvements in PTSD symptoms after the program’s completion. Women showed the most significant improvements immediately following the study, while men continued to exhibit further enhancements 30 days post-program. These findings suggest that non-clinical, peer-supported environments may offer a more accessible and less stigmatizing approach for veterans compared to traditional mental health care.
Future research is recommended to evaluate how surf therapy programs can complement conventional treatment methods and promote long-term engagement in mental health recovery. Improved outcomes were particularly evident among participants who actively engaged in surfing, yoga, and the interpersonal connections established during the program.
Another noteworthy initiative in the realm of surf therapy is the Native Like Water program, which integrates surf therapy into its intertribal youth camps. This program aims to reconnect Native youth with coastal culture and traditional practices. Activities at the youth camp encompass surfing, rock climbing, hiking, yoga, art, and science lab exploration, all focused on health prevention and cultural education. The program’s founder has emphasized the importance of merging education, culture, and enjoyment to foster youth engagement.
Surf therapy, as endorsed by the International Surf Therapy Organization, aims to promote psychological, physical, and psychosocial well-being through surfing. The Native Like Water initiative further emphasizes restoring Indigenous coastal culture and practices among Native tribes, providing a comprehensive approach to healing and education.
In addition to surfing, an 18-foot inflatable paddleboard, known as the SUPsquatch, is used for recreational outings, allowing participation from individuals of all ages. This accessibility is crucial in reaching diverse groups within the community.
A notable figure in the sphere of surf therapy, Ricochet, a Golden Retriever known for her contributions to surf therapy for veterans and children, has passed away after battling liver cancer, leaving behind a legacy of support for those in need. Her work has exemplified the profound effects of animal-assisted therapy within the broader context of mental health recovery.
The combination of surf therapy and community engagement appears to create a valuable avenue for veterans seeking relief from PTSD, highlighting a unique intersection of physical activity, emotional support, and cultural connection in the pursuit of mental well-being.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Native Like Water Program Uses Surf Therapy to Heal Mind & Body
- Visit California: Native California Culture Meets Surf Therapy
- NBC San Diego: Beloved San Diego Surf Therapy Dog Dies at 15
- The New York Times: Catching Waves for Well-Being
- CBS8: Veterans Find Strength Through Adaptive Surfing
- Wikipedia: Surf Therapy
- Google Search: Benefits of Surf Therapy
- Google Scholar: Surf Therapy PTSD
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Google News: Surf Therapy News
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
