Exploring potential mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic effects of surfing

Abstract

Exploring potential mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic effects of surfing" Get in and wrestle with the sea; wing your heels with the skill and power that reside in you, hit the sea's breakers, master them, and ride upon their backs as a king should."Jack LondonFrom its roots in ancient Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures, the twentieth century saw surfing spread around the world to become a popular sport and leisure activity (Finney & Houston, 1996). Despite the popularity of surfing, there has been little scientific research to date investigating motivations for, and benefits from, surfing. However, several cross-sectional studies have found depression and anxiety to be lower in surfers (Amrhein, Barkhoff, & Heiby, 2016;Levin & Taylor, 2011) and surfing has been found to provide a sense of respite from symptoms of trauma in combat veterans (Caddick, Phoenix, & Smith, 2015a;Caddick, Smith, & Phoenix, 2015b). Furthermore, a small but growing number of studies have also investigated the effects of surfing-based mental health interventions. Although there is variation in specific design, surf therapy programs typically involve group-based surfing instruction, and can contain elements of psychoeducation, self-care and wellbeing discussions, creating a safe-space, socialization, and community and rapport building.Although still largely preliminary, the results are promising. For instance, studies have found decreases in anxiety and depression in veterans as a result of these programs (Rogers, Mallinson, & Peppers, 2014;Walter et al., 2019). Surf therapy programs for at-risk youth and youth with disabilities have also reported various benefits such as improvements in behavior, social skills, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being (Cavanaugh & Rademacher,

The Effect of Nature-Based Adventure Interventions on Depression: A Systematic Review

“…These theories suggest that positive experiences in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, be pleasurable, and improve mood and concentration. This aligns with the view that many natural settings (e.g., beaches, forests, and mountains) have characteristics that favor stress recovery and attention restoration (Kaplan, 1995; Moreton et al, 2022; Ulrich et al, 1991). For example, Moreton et al (2022) argue that water immersion during surfing can reduce physiological inflammation, which is a predictor of depression.…”

“…This aligns with the view that many natural settings (e.g., beaches, forests, and mountains) have characteristics that favor stress recovery and attention restoration (Kaplan, 1995; Moreton et al, 2022; Ulrich et al, 1991). For example, Moreton et al (2022) argue that water immersion during surfing can reduce physiological inflammation, which is a predictor of depression. Rosa et al (2021) found evidence that therapeutic activities conducted in forests may improve symptoms of depression more than carrying out the same activities at a hospital setting or in an urban area.…”

“…The benefits of nature-based activities may be even more pronounced when they involve some degree of physical activity (such as NBA). Individuals who are physically active in nature often report reductions in stress and anxiety, and improvements in attention, mood, and sleep quality (Gladwell et al, 2013; Kaplan, 1995; Lackey et al, 2021; Moreton et al, 2022; Rebar et al, 2015; Rosa et al, 2021; Shin et al, 2012; Ulrich et al, 1991). The mental health benefits of NBA interventions might also be explained by the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and nature connectedness, which can be strengthened during NBA engagement (Houge Mackenzie et al, 2023).…”

“…For example, the Wilderness Therapy Clinical Model argues that wilderness therapy can enhance people’s self-confidence, resilience, and positive social interactions (Fernee et al, 2017). Improvement of depressive symptoms might also be achieved through the various forms of moderate to vigorous physical activity that is an inherent part of NBA activities such as rock-climbing, surfing, and backpacking (Catalan-Matamoros et al, 2016; Moreton et al, 2022; Rebar et al, 2015).…”

Epidemiology of Surfing-related Injuries in South Korea: Type, Location and Mechanism

“…The mechanism and environmental factors of surfing-related injury according to sex and surfing experience Asian J Kinesiol 2022; 24(4):[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] • DOI: https://doi.org/10.15758/ajk.2022.24.4.25 …”