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On this Episode of The UK Surf Show, we chat to Ruairidh from The Wave Project Scotland & Slab Surf and James his brother who runs Slab Surf. Slab is a Scottish surf clothing company with a blog about the Scottish surf scene, they also donate 10% of their profit to The Wave Project.
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Table of Contents
The Wave Project
Surfing is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. The rush of adrenaline that comes from catching a wave is incomparable to any other experience. It’s a feeling that can be enjoyed by anyone, but unfortunately, not everyone has that opportunity.
The Wave Project is a non-profit organisation that works towards making this experience available to everyone, especially those who are vulnerable due to their mental or physical health conditions.
Founded in 2010, The Wave Project started as a small surf club in Cornwall, UK, with the aim of using surfing as a tool for mental and physical therapy. Today, the organization operates in several locations across the UK and has helped thousands of people improve their mental health, confidence, and self-esteem.
The Wave Project provides free surf lessons, mentorship, and opportunities for peer-to-peer support to young people (aged 8-21) who are struggling with mental health issues. The organisation also offers surf therapy sessions to people of all ages dealing with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, and mental health challenges.
The Wave Project’s mission is to inspire a positive change in people’s lives, especially young people who are struggling with their mental health. The organisation strongly believes that surfing has the power to increase confidence, develop self-esteem, and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
The Wave Project’s surf therapy sessions are designed by qualified therapists and trained surf coaches. The sessions use surfing as a medium to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions that promote mental and physical well-being.
The therapy is based on the concept of “flow”- a state of mind where one is fully immersed in the present moment and achieves peak performance. The Wave Project believes that by using surfing to create flow, participants gain a sense of control and mastery over their emotions, which ultimately leads to emotional resilience.
The benefits of surfing on mental health are scientifically proven. When one rides a wave, they experience a moment of pure exhilaration and freedom. This feeling is as close to meditation as it gets. Surfing also offers a sense of belonging to a community, which is especially vital for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. It provides an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and get support from others who have struggled with similar issues.
The Wave Project has made a significant impact on several individuals’ lives, and their success stories are genuinely inspiring. Their work meets a unique need in society, and the organisation’s approach to mental health has the potential to change the prevailing narrative of mental health treatment.
In conclusion, The Wave Project is more than just a surfing club. It’s a community that cares about the mental well-being of individuals dealing with significant challenges. The organisation provides an opportunity for healing and growth through the powerful medium of surfing. The Wave Project’s mission is to inspire a positive change in people’s lives, and by their work, they’ve proven that it’s possible. They are changing the lives of many people by giving them a platform to grow and thrive, and that’s something truly special.
Slab Surf
SLAB was started by two brothers in Scotland who love to surf.
They say their aim is to build up the already class surf community here in the UK and get people out having fun in the water, they do this through a host of blogs and interviews available on their website.
They also sell sustainable and organic clothing designed and hand-printed in Scotland, making sure the gear is built to last.
They say everyone has the right to surf, so They donate 10% of profits to The Wave Project Scotland.
Check them out here: waveproject.co.uk
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