Mapping the landscape: surf therapy program delivery

Brennan, Mary; Stain, Helen J.; Marshall, Jamie

Abstract

Surf therapy is a structured intervention which utilizes surfing as a vehicle to achieve therapeutic benefit (International Surf Therapy Organization [ISTO], 2019). Surf therapy is presently delivered internationally within a diverse array of contexts and populations. Despite the publication of many internal evaluation studies, little research has examined themes common to the process of surf therapy across programs. The present study recruited a sample of ISTO-affiliated surf therapy programs (n = 33) to engage with an online survey, Mapping the Stoke, examining core aspects of surf therapy structure and process internationally. Findings indicated both similarities across current program delivery internationally, with examples of primary similarities including target age (adolescents and young adults) and population (mental health), recruitment (self-referral), and structure (group sessions), geographic delivery (major cities) and challenges (funding). Areas of greater diversity included support staff (roles/qualifications), therapeutic aims, measures (outcome) and therapeutic structures. The present study outlines concrete structures and processes which appear integral to the delivery of surf therapy across cultures.

Citation

Brennan, M., Stain, H. J., & Marshall, J. (2024). Mapping the landscape: surf therapy program delivery. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 27, 235-254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-023-00152-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 28, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Feb 5, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-04
• Deposit Date: Jun 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 4, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education
• Print ISSN: 2206-3110
• Electronic ISSN: 2522-879X
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Pages: 235-254
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-023-00152-2
• Keywords: Surf therapy, Mental health, Process mapping, Program delivery, Exploratory review