Surf therapy is helping ease veteran PTSD
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A veteran gets a hand during Operation Surf. Photo: Courtesy of Operation Surf
Military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are turning to surfing for mental health therapy and finding peace in the water.
Why it matters: About 29% of veterans who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq will have PTSD at some point, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Driving the news: San Diego State University lecturer Jonathan Ossie recently published a study showing how surfing can ease the physiological and psychological effects of PTSD for veterans.
- He worked with California-based Operation Surf to gather sleep, heart rate and mental health data on 41 military veterans or active-duty personnel diagnosed with PTSD. The data was collected during and following a weeklong surf therapy program.
- The activities include adaptive surfing with professional instructors, peer support sessions, yoga and meditation, group meals, and a paddle out to honor fallen heroes.
What they found: Depression levels dropped by 44% for participants, according to the study.
- There was a 59% reduction in general anxiety and a 38% reduction in PTSD symptoms immediately after the event. The levels increased some at 30 days out, but remained lower overall.
- Participants' deep sleep and REM sleep also improved.
What they're saying: "We're a surfing program that has therapeutic results," Operation Surf founder and director Van Curaza told Axios.
- They don't just take veterans surfing for the exercise, endorphins and joy they find, Curaza said.
- The curriculum-based program builds connections, relationships and a community that helps veterans suffering from trauma and injuries feel like they're no longer alone, he said.
Zoom in: Operation Surf mostly serves veterans in the San Luis Obispo area, but there are local organizations with similar services.
- The non-profit Jimmy Miller Foundation runs ocean therapy programs for active-duty military personnel and veterans with surf sessions in Carlsbad, La Jolla and Del Mar Beach at Camp Pendleton.
- Veterans Affairs hosts an annual summer sports clinic in San Diego with adaptive activities, including surfing, for those with disabilities.
- San Diego-based One More Wave makes adapted surfboards and equipment for wounded and disabled veterans.
