How the ocean is helping young people build confidence, calm and connection

The Wave Project is a charity whose purpose is to change young lives through Surf Therapy. Working across the UK, including locally in Scarborough and Tynemouth, they have helped more than 19,000 young people improve their mental health and wellbeing through time in the ocean and other blue spaces, such as inland wave pools.

According to the NHS, one in five young people is experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition, and many more are struggling without access to timely support.

For the past 15 years, The Wave Project has been working to change that, using the power and the calm of the sea to support children and young people at an early stage, when it can make the greatest difference.

Surf Therapy is at the core of The Wave Project and works because it combines physical activity, time in blue spaces and trusted relationships. The ocean offers challenge, achievement and perspective. In a non-clinical environment, young people can explore emotions, build confidence and experience belonging.

It begins with a six‑week Surf Therapy course, in a small group, led by volunteer Surf Mentors and a surf coordinator. Together, they take part in weekly sessions that introduce surfing in a safe, supportive environment.

The focus is not on performance or ability, but on helping young people build confidence and resilience through small, achievable challenges. They are encouraged to work at their own pace, set their own goals and celebrate every success, whether that’s entering the water, standing on the board, or simply showing up.

Falling off a board and getting back on, surrounded by peers who offer steady encouragement, teaches young people that setbacks are part of learning. By the end of the six weeks, many report feeling calmer, more confident and better able to manage challenges in their everyday lives.

Recent evaluation has found that young people experienced an average 18.8% improvement in wellbeing after taking part, alongside big increases in confidence, connection and emotional resilience. The evaluation, based on data from 365 young people across the UK, also found that:

• 94% of participants felt more confident

• Nearly 98% felt able to be themselves

• 90.9% said they were able to forget their worries

• Notably, 99.4% of participants said they had fun, reinforcing that effective mental health support can be engaging, active and rooted in positive experience

After completing the course, young people are invited to continue their journey through Surf Club. These weekly sessions provide ongoing support, giving young people the chance to build friendships, strengthen their confidence and spend regular time outdoors in a safe, welcoming space. There is no limit on how long someone can attend. The team at The Wave Project understands that mental health journeys are not linear and that consistent support can be just as important as early intervention.

As these young people grow older, some choose to take the next step and give back by volunteering. From the age of 14, those who feel ready can train as Surf Mentors, supporting the next cohort of young people. Not every young person wants or needs to move into volunteering; some continue attending Surf Club, focusing on their own wellbeing and development. This path they choose is always optional and led by them.

Matt, the Project Coordinator in North Yorkshire, sees the impact of this journey every week.

“I love being able to introduce young people to the ocean. There’s something really special about it, the space, the energy, the freedom. Surf Therapy isn’t just about learning to surf; it’s about helping young people realise what they’re capable of.

When someone is there just for them, cheering them on and believing in them, you can see the change happen. Watching their confidence grow, week by week, is why we do this.”

*Sarah was 15 when she joined The Wave Project after a vehicle accident left her with ongoing pain and reduced mobility. She felt unsure about what her body could do and uncomfortable about being in the water.

With the support of her Surf Mentor, Sarah took part in the six‑week Surf Therapy course using modified techniques and adaptive equipment. She started slowly, building confidence in shallow water before progressing to riding smaller waves closer to shore.

As the weeks went on, her confidence grew. By the end of the course, she was standing on her board and setting her own challenges.

Now 16, she continues to attend Surf Club and is considering becoming a mentor in the future. Surf therapy helped her reconnect with her confidence and see herself as capable again.

*Real name not used

The Wave Project hopes to reach more young people along the Yorkshire coast. They want to expand Surf Therapy courses, strengthen Surf Club provision and continue removing barriers so that every young person who needs support can access it.