Therapeutic Surfing at Aotearoa Surf is a one-on-one, purpose-driven experience designed for children, teens, and adults living with disability, neurodiversity, or mental health challenges.
More than a surf lesson, this is a tailored therapeutic experience rooted in connection, play, and the proven healing power of the ocean.
Guided by international research, our sessions support emotional regulation, confidence, and social connection — all in a safe, empowering, and fun environment.
What’s Included:
- 🕒 Duration: 1 Hour
- 📍 Location: Orewa Beach
- 🧒 Ages: 8+
- 👥 Session Type: 1-on-1 with experienced, supportive instructors
- 🧑🏫 Instructor Qualifications: ISA-certified, with additional training in neurodiversity & adaptive practice
- 🧥 What’s Included: Surfboard, wetsuit, rash shirt, sunscreen
- 💲 Price: $185 single session | $795 for 5-session program
- 📅 Times: Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Tuesdays/Thursdays
What you might do:
Depending on everyone’s needs:
- Surfing or tandem rides
- Boogie boarding or floating
- Nature-based play and sensory exploration
- Grounding and confidence-building activities
- Gentle ocean engagement with full supervision
Who its for:
🧠 Neurodiverse individuals (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Anxiety)
♿ People with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities
🧍♂️ Children, youth, and adults (8+)
💬 Participants accessing Carer Support, ORS, or other funding
🏖️ First-timers to the beach or returning surfers alike
Why its different:
Not a standard surf lesson — this is a therapeutic experience that:
🌱 Prioritises emotional wellbeing, empowerment, and fun
🤝 Is grounded in person-centred practice and adaptability
📝 Includes pre-session planning and collaboration with whānau or carers
🧑🏫 Is delivered by compassionate, trained, and consistent instructors
How to Book:
- Book your preferred time online for a 1-off session
- OR book a 5-session package: choose your first date, and we’ll send you a code to book the remaining 4 sessions at no cost
- Questions or custom quote needed? Get in touch
Why 5 Sessions works best
While a single session can offer a fun, meaningful introduction to the ocean, most of the real magic happens over time. That’s why we recommend our 5-session program for the best impact.
Why? Because with each session, we can build:
- Trust and familiarity — with the instructor, the ocean, and the experience
- Confidence and comfort — leading to greater participation and joy
- Emotional regulation and resilience — with time to practise and reflect
- Physical skills — like balance, paddling, or even standing up!
Research Shows:
Regular surf therapy sessions can significantly improve mood, social connection, self-esteem, and even sleep. (e.g. Caddick et al., 2015; The Wave Project, 2020)
Backed by research:
Therapeutic surfing is supported by growing international research showing significant benefits for mental health, emotional regulation, confidence, social connection, and physical wellbeing — especially for individuals with autism, anxiety, PTSD, and sensory processing challenges.
Studies have found improvements in mood, sleep, self-esteem, and communication through regular surf therapy engagement, with participants often reporting a sense of calm, joy, and empowerment after time in the ocean
Still Unsure? Try a One-Off First
We know new experiences can feel big. If you’re unsure whether surf therapy is right for you or your child, we welcome you to book a one-off session to give it a try — no pressure, just gentle introduction.
And if you love it? Then get a 5 session program!
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Shoot us an email instead!
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. Sessions are fully supported, in shallow water or on the beach, depending on needs.
We aim to offer consistent staff for rapport and routine, wherever possible.
Maybe. Some families do. We can provide an invoice or support letter if needed.
It depends on your funding type, so it’s best to check with your provider or coordinator. Let us know if you’d like help with this.
That’s okay! Sessions are adaptable, from floating to sensory play to boogie boarding.
Yes, we encourage it, and we’ll discuss the best support setup with you beforehand.
While each participant’s journey is unique, we aim to see:
- Improved emotional regulation (e.g., calmer post-session behaviour)
- Increased willingness to engage in physical activity
- Growth in communication and self-advocacy
- Reported improvements in confidence or mood from caregivers
We are developing tools to gather simple, qualitative reflections from carers and participants after each session or program block.
Checkout some of the following papers
Caddick, N., Smith, B., & Phoenix, C. (2015).
Godfrey, C., Devine-Wright, H., & Taylor, J. (2015).
Marshall, J., & Ferrier, B. (2020). “The Wave Project:
The Blue Mind Movement | Wallace J Nichols
Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do.
- Over 20 years of safe, inclusive surf instruction
- Specialists in adaptive, therapeutic surf delivery
- Small team, big heart, local, passionate, and professional
- A supportive environment that builds confidence and joy
Questions
If you have any further questions please contact us or phone Che on 09 4315760 / 021442163Shoot us an email instead!
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