“Oh, I feel I’m free. I’m flying to the moon. The best time in my life.”

Sound familiar? Once you’re hooked on the uplifting impact of surfing, there’s no going back. And now, imagine being able to introduce that life-transforming feeling to someone else. 

The Wave Project is a pioneering UK charity that empowers young people and children through Surf Therapy. It uses the therapeutic elements of the sea combined with the feel-good nature of surfing to support mental health.

What is The Wave Project?

Over six weeks, participants receive surf lessons and 1:1 peer mentorship to help build their confidence, boost self-esteem, improve resilience, and provide a safe sense of community. The programme provides a supportive and accepting space where children can feel safe and understood.

“The things I like the most about Wave Project is everyone here, the happiness and the fun stuff and jumping in the water.”

Since its beginning, 16,500 young people have accessed The Wave Project’s evidence-based interventions. All programmes evaluate well-being change from a participant and whole-group perspective. Every individual who participates completes a questionnaire before and after their course, and the charity works alongside parents and referral partners to get their insights on a child’s development during the programme.

The fun and support don’t stop after the six-week programmes are complete! Participants can join The Wave Project Surf Club, which is available throughout the year if they want to continue their surfing journey.

“Surf Club has really helped, like, sort of boost my confidence and self esteem and help me with problems outside of Surf Club.”

Where is The Wave Project?

The organisation first started providing Surf Therapy programmes to young people and children in 2010 in Newquay, England’s iconic surfing mecca.

Proving to be an impactful way to support young people’s mental health, The Wave Project is now accessible outside of the southwest of England and operates across the UK, including:

• North Yorkshire
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland
• Isle of Wight
• Brighton
• London

Interested to see where your closest Wave Project is? Check out the full list of locations here.

The Importance of Surf Therapy

No one should have to cope with the challenges of mental health struggles alone, especially a young person. Poor mental health for a child can affect so many areas of life, from social and emotional struggles to academic performance and overall physical health.

In the UK, Surf Therapy is recognised by the National Health Service (NHS) and is used as a prescribed mental health intervention.

Access to Surf Therapy is vital to those who need it, and it can make a real difference in how young people perceive themselves and life.

Dryrobe® X The Wave Project

We are long-standing partners of The Wave Project and share their mission to get more young people into the water and feel empowered.

In 2024, we were proud to support two particular projects—one local to Dryrobe® HQ in North Devon and the other further afield in London, where surfing seems like a far-removed reality for those living in England’s capital city. 

“How can I describe this sensation when it comes to surfing? When you feel the power of the water coming behind you, they carry you in a way that makes you feel alive. Feeling the wave, being in the water, actually, I think it’s just amazing.”
 
We’re looking forward to another year of collaborating with this incredible charity, so watch this space for exciting updates! If you'd like to support The Wave Project, visit their website and learn how you can volunteer, donate, and get involved with their life-changing work.

Follow The Wave Project

Facebook: Wave Project
Instagram: @waveprojectuk
X: @WaveProject
YouTube:@thewaveproject421
LinkedIn: The Wave Project
 
waveproject.co.uk

#dryrobeterritory

Published on February 26, 2025