Wave by Wave

Wave by Wave is a surf-based therapeutic intervention, surf therapy, designed and delivered by mental health technicians and surf instructors for at-risk populations. Surf therapy combines the benefits of surfing and contact with nature with group therapeutic intervention to promote indicators such as emotional regulation, resilience, behavioural reduction and other wellbeing promoters. We are co-founders, in 2017, of the International Surf Therapy Organisation which today recognises over 80 surf therapy projects around the world. Our aim is to contribute to the participants' physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as to promote their well-being and mental health through a careful structure based on fundamental principles such as respect, dialogue, empathetic and active listening, nonviolence, teaching by example and receptivity. Project Founders: Ema Shaw Evangelist (Clinical Psychologist) José Ferreira (National Surfing Champion)