Surfwise success
Organisers of a pilot surfing programme that aimed to give young people tools to support their mental health are hoping private funding will enable it to continue.
A collaboration between Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust (CWNT) and Surfwise Waikuku Surf School, funded by Sport Canterbury, enabled 12 children between 9 and 19 to learn how to surf and take part in on-shore sessions.
Running between January and February, the programme proved to be ‘‘life changing’’ for some participants with one teenager saying it helped her learn coping strategies for depression.
Monique, 17, from Amberley, said before she started surfing she struggled with her mental health, but found the challenge of the waves helped to alleviate her symptoms.
‘‘Waves are like life – sometimes smooth sailing, easy to be in, sometimes waves are huge, and you have to stop and find a way through, but once conquered, it’s like, ‘I can do this!’’
The programme had taught her things could be really hard sometimes, but she could always get through.
‘‘It gives you new knowledge about how strong you are, even if you don’t feel it.’’
The idea for the programme began after CWNT leader Cushla Waghorn learnt to surf and found it transformative in teaching how to overcome life’s challenges.
‘‘Like life, the ocean doesn’t wait for you to be ready, you have to be present and aware of your surroundings at all times. You need to be able to laugh at yourself as you tumble and fall, and be ready to get back up again and again.’’
Seeing the opportunities surfing could offer the youth of North Canterbury, Waghorn approached Surfwise Waikuku Surf School co-owner Tammi Martin, who was immediately on board with the idea of running a programme.
Underpinned by Tā Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā holistic model of wellbeing, Martin says the school intentionally cultivates a positive group culture that allows room for vulnerability and strength.
She said at a biochemical level, people were transformed by crashing waves which increased endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline and dopamine, all helping people’s mental state.
Transport was provided for the students who came from Waimakariri and Hurunui and whānau were welcome to watch and take part in reflections.
Each session began with a karakia and ended with shared kai and at the completion of the programme each participant was gifted with a wetsuit to encourage an ongoing connection with the ocean.
Waipara dad Jason said his son Isaac, 11, loved sport, but he sometimes found it difficult to control his anger and excitement. He said since the programme he had seen major improvements in Isaac’s ability to manage his emotions.
Kaiapoi mum Sam said she hoped the programme could continue for others, after her son, Odin, 10, had found ways to use his energy in productive ways.
‘‘He can tap into the inner calm he feels at the ocean, from home, and it’s stopped him escalating a few times.’’
Now the collaboration is seeking funding to turn the pilot into an annual or twice yearly programme.
‘‘We’d love to find private sponsors who are keen to help us transform the lives of more young people in our district,’’ Waghorn said.