Surf Therapy
Surf Therapy has been defined by the International Surf Therapy Organization as ‘the use of surfing as a vehicle for delivering intentional, inclusive, population-specific, and evidenced-based therapeutic structures to promote psychological, physical, and psychosocial wellbeing.’
Integrated in Lost Shore's DNA
Surf Therapy has been an integral part of Lost Shore’s DNA since its very inception. Indeed, founder Andy Hadden’s time volunteering with the Wave Project a decade ago cemented in his mind the potential surfing has for mental and physical health, and the value a site like Lost Shore would offer for Scotland. As a first consequence for that, in 2018, Lost Shore (at the time named Wavegarden Scotland) committed a third of the initial funding that the project secured to fund world’s first PhD exclusively focused on Surf Therapy and that approach has continued and transferred to the operational reality of the resort.
Surf therapy at Lost Shore
We are proud to be hosting a number of leading Surf Therapy interventions (all registered charities) on our site including the Wave Project and Inclusive Surfing Scotland. The collaboration with these inspiring charities highlights Lost Shore’s commitment to supporting and enabling our positive health and wellbeing impact.
We will continue to explore how we can further support the sector, watch this space for news of an exciting collaboration with the International Surf Therapy Organization very soon!
The Wave Project
The Wave Project (SC046500) are an award-winning charity that use a combination of surfing and peer support to improve the wellbeing of young people facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Their model of Surf Therapy has been evidenced in several research publications and are a trusted intervention provider for social services, schools and CAMHS across the UK.
Inclusive Surfing Scotland
Inclusive Surfing Scotland (SC052597) are creating a new wave of possibilities offering adaptive surfing for adults and children with disabilities that would otherwise limit their access to the waves. The accessible nature of our Cove and a range of additional facilities available at Lost Shore, combined with Inclusive Surfing Scotland’s expertise offer adaptive experiences in a manner never seen in the inland surfing world. Founder Iain has even supported Scottish athletes at the World Para Surfing Championships.