Surf therapy brings purpose to South Africans : Analysis

A group of teenagers with autism and related conditions in Cape Town, South Africa, participate in a weekly surf therapy session. The program, called Waves for Change, aims to provide coping mechanisms and self-regulation strategies to children from disadvantaged backgrounds who may have experienced trauma. The therapy session begins with a land-based mental health session called Thankful Take 5, where participants practice gratitude and engage in breathing exercises. Afterward, the students enter the ocean, with some choosing to try bodyboarding while others splash around in the waves. While surfing is a component of the program, the primary focus is on therapy and providing support to the participants.

The Waves for Change program targets children aged 11 to 13 who are at high risk of experiencing toxic stress due to factors such as poverty, disabilities, gang violence, and limited access to mental health and social services. The program initially focuses on teaching the children to surf, building trust among the group, and then gradually introducing mental health skills and coping strategies. The children attend one session per week for a year and can continue participating in surf sessions on weekends afterward. Many participants continue with the program for several years, and some even become Waves for Change coaches after completing a two-year contract. The program has expanded to include five sites in South Africa and one in Liberia, reaching approximately 2,500 children each week. Waves for Change also collaborates with 35 partner institutions in 10 countries to provide sports therapy programs to additional children.

Tim Conibear, the founder and CEO of Waves for Change, explains that the program aims to provide children from challenging backgrounds with the tools they need to cope and regulate their emotions. Surfing serves as a means to establish rapport and provide a safe environment for therapy. The program has received positive feedback from researchers, with a recent study suggesting that surf therapy improves participants’ mental health.

Despite its success, Waves for Change faces challenges related to funding and finding suitable staff. However, the program has seen significant positive outcomes, including participants becoming coaches and pursuing further education and career opportunities related to sports.

Overall, the article highlights the positive impact of the Waves for Change program on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program’s emphasis on therapy and providing coping mechanisms is crucial in communities where social workers and psychologists may be lacking. The article provides firsthand accounts from participants, coaches, and the program’s founder, offering support for the program’s effectiveness.

The credibility of the article is strengthened by the inclusion of expert opinions, such as that of Jamie Marshall, a research fellow who has extensively studied surf therapy programs around the world. The article also cites a study on surf therapy’s benefits for US navy service members with depression.

One potential limitation is that the article primarily presents positive aspects of the program, leaving little room for critical discussion. While the article mentions the challenges of funding and finding suitable staff, it does not elaborate on potential criticisms or drawbacks of surf therapy. This limited perspective may provide an incomplete understanding of the program and its effectiveness.

In terms of bias, the article focuses on the positive impact of surf therapy and portrays the Waves for Change program in a favorable light. The personal anecdotes shared by participants and coaches may evoke emotions and empathy from readers, potentially influencing their perception of the program. Additionally, the article does not mention any potential issues surrounding the selection process for participants or the measures taken to ensure their safety during the therapy sessions.

Given the prevalence of fake news and the influence of the political landscape, this article does not directly address any political or controversial topics. However, it is important to consider how the political landscape and the prevalence of misinformation might influence the public’s perception of the information presented. In some cases, political biases or agendas may drive the reporting of news stories related to social programs, potentially shaping public opinion. It is crucial for readers to critically evaluate the information and seek additional sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: ‘It gave me a purpose’: Surf therapy transforms lives in South Africa