{"id":57814,"date":"2021-12-20T22:46:59","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T22:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=57814"},"modified":"2021-12-20T22:47:01","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T22:47:01","slug":"how-surfing-the-winter-waves-can-keep-the-mind-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2021\/12\/20\/how-surfing-the-winter-waves-can-keep-the-mind-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"How surfing the winter waves can keep the mind healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Surf therapy is making waves in the world of mental health treatment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">IN the 1991 cult film <em>Point Break, <\/em>FBI agent Johnny Utah buys a surfboard to infiltrate a gang of surfers suspected of robbing banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">The kid in the surf shop says to Utah: \u201cHey man, a lot of guys your age are learning to surf. I hope you stick with it. Surfing\u2019s the source. Can change your life. Swear to God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">What on earth was this skinny, Californian kid on about? It didn\u2019t have a name yet, but the kid was talking about &#8220;blue health&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Blue health is an overarching term concerning the sea\u2019s ability to treat various health conditions, both physical and mental. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">A leading tenet of blue health is surf therapy; using surfing to boost people\u2019s mental health and restore their wellbeing. From my experience, it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Going surfing is like hitting my reset button. It clears my mind, exercises my body and makes me feel happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1702\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-770x512.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-1400x931.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1702\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-770x512.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-face-1400x931.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Getting ready for a wintery session at Coney Beach. Photo: John Wimperis<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Yet surfing is both beautiful and brutal. In winter, we surfers choose to get battered by freezing, grey walls of water as they crash into Britain\u2019s coast. Is this blue health? Winter surfing is a hardy, unglamorous sport. Why do we bother?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">I posed these questions to the surf community in South Wales, and their response was staggering. Anecdotes highlighting the therapeutic nature of surfing poured forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">But these anecdotes have existed for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">What\u2019s changed is that we can now support these anecdotes with a growing body of scientific research into blue health. Let me explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Sam Vasper, 30, from Llanelli says: \u201cI surf because it makes me feel incredible. When I\u2019m in the water I feel like I\u2019m being flooded with endorphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cSurfing is important for my mental health. I recently had some bad news regarding not being able to have kids, and surfing has really helped me more than I thought it would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cWhenever I get in the water and catch that first wave, everything just goes from my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-background-dim-10 has-background-dim has-parallax\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Sam-Vasper-at-Llangennith-1024x538.jpg);min-height:750px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-right is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p> Whenever I get in the water and catch that first wave, everything just goes from my mind. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Sam was experiencing the power of blue health, and more specifically, surf therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">By surfing, Sam\u2019s brain was forced to focus on his immediate surroundings, while his body had to tune into the ocean and his nose was filled with the sea air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Now for the science. Recent studies suggest natural environments directly affect our nervous system, triggering nerve impulses that make us feel more positive and less stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">In stressful situations, humans have a biological impulse to change locations in order to restore energy levels, renew positivity and dissipate stress. The same applies if we\u2019re anxious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-background-dim-10 has-black-background-color has-background-dim has-parallax\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Surfing-left-edited-1024x584.jpg);min-height:735px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-right is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p> Studies suggest natural environments directly affect our nervous system, triggering nerve impulses that make us feel more positive and less stressed. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">David TC Davies, MP for Monmouth and accomplished surfer, often eases the stress of Westminster by catching waves in Wales on the weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">David says: \u201cSurfing is definitely important for my mental health; it means you always have something to look forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cI have never come out of the sea and thought \u2018that was a waste of time\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cYou don\u2019t worry about anything else when you\u2019re out there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"752\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia-.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia--300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia--770x565.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia--293x215.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"752\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia-.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia--300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia--770x565.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/David-Davies-shredding-in-snowdonia--293x215.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>David Davies MP going down the line at Surf Snowdonia. Photo: David Davies<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">As introduced earlier, natural environments can trigger positive feelings and decrease stress. But why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Firstly, the sea has far less stress-causing irritants found in urban environments, such as traffic, pollution and noise. Psychologists Rachel and Steven Kaplan argue we take more notice of things and respond more positively to them in natural settings than urban ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">These can be incredibly simple things, like the sound of waves breaking, light reflecting on the water or the smell of seawater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Anecdotes confirmed this. Beth Wallace, who\u2019s on Cardiff University&#8217;s Surf Club Committee, says: \u201cEver since I started struggling with my mental health I have used surfing as an outlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cPaddling out and sitting beyond the waves, looking out as far as you can see really does have a calming effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cIt makes me feel relaxed and takes me away from whatever I am feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude.jpg 1125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Beth-Wallace-shredding-at-summerleaze-bude.jpg 1125w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Beth Wallace smacking the lip at Summerleaze, Bude. Photo: Beth Wallace<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">It is these feelings that compel surfers to brave the UK\u2019s wintery waters. As David Davies says: \u201cThere\u2019s no glamour to going surfing at Porthcawl in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cYou\u2019re standing half naked in a car park in a freezing wind and you might be lucky to get a coffee afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cPeople do it for the love of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-770x512.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1400x931.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-770x512.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Walking-to-Coneys-1400x931.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>&#8216;People do it for the love of it&#8217;.<strong> Photo: John Wimperis<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Several charities and companies have already began harnessing the restorative powers of surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">In Britain for example, The Wave Project has used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.waveproject.co.uk\/surf-therapy-2\/\">surf therapy<\/a> to help young people experiencing physical and mental health issues, social deprivation, and social isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Central to this has been the opening of The Wave in 2019, an inland surfing lake north of Bristol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Abby Richardson, who helped set up The Wave, says: \u201cBlue health has always been at the heart of The Wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cOur founder Nick Hounsfield has always had the vision of creating a space to get people active and healthy.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-770x513.jpeg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-370x247.jpeg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-293x195.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-770x513.jpeg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-370x247.jpeg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Nick-Hounsfield-at-the-wave-293x195.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Nick Hounsfield, the founder of The Wave, hanging five. Photo: Jack Hewitt<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">In 2020, The Wave hosted two pilot schemes, one helping vulnerable children in Bristol and one helping people in the NHS\u2019s Recovery Through Sport programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Abby says: \u201cWe have had really positive feedback from these pilots and we\u2019ll be looking to build on this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cThe Wave creates a slice of the ocean inland for people who don\u2019t have access to the coast, which hopefully gives them a dose of blue health they would not otherwise experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">\u201cNick Hounsfield could have opened an attraction for profit, but he made sure his vision of helping people\u2019s physical and mental health through surfing came true.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">The Wave has hosted six six-week projects so far, and another five are planned. They are also setting up a surf club for people who\u2019ve completed the project to join after they\u2019ve finished their six weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">These are only some of the key developments happening in this blue health revolution. If you\u2019re not surfing yet, why not head down to the beach and hop on a board. Your brain will thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-770x512.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1400x931.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-770x512.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/Fistbumping-1400x931.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Photo: John Wimperis<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Edward Wilson, one of the earliest proponents of blue health, hypothesised that because we spent most of our evolutionary history in nature, we have an instinctive physical, cognitive and emotional attachment to natural environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Wilson called his hypothesis biophilia, and it is difficult to reject his argument. When the skinny kid in the surf shop said &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ySM4Lpkk0pw\">surfing\u2019s the source&#8221;<\/a>, perhaps this is what he meant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Surf therapy is making waves in the world of mental health treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":742,"featured_media":57826,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,1],"tags":[41,7634],"coauthors":[7308],"class_list":["post-57814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-longer-reads","category-outabout","tag-mental-health","tag-surfing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How surfing the winter waves can keep the mind healthy - 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