A teen surf therapy program is a combination of physical exercise and talk therapy. It combines the healing elements of nature, physical activity, and group or individual sessions to help teens deal with emotional dysregulation, and mental health conditions like ADHD. It takes 6-8 weeks and involves surfing and other therapeutic approaches. It works to promote physical and psychological well-being.
Many people connect with the natural environment when they explore the ocean or forested areas. Nature offers alternative therapy, adventure, and freedom, which can help with the emotional turmoil that teens go through. Teens are in an awkward stage, stuck between an adult’s responsibilities and the child’s fun. It can be difficult to navigate such a complex emotional structure. This is especially difficult for teens struggling with ADHD.
ADHD in Teens
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or impulsivity that interferes with a person’s everyday life. ADHD can present in three different ways. These forms include predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, and combined presentation. ADHD can also be mild, moderate, or severe, according to the DSM-5 guidelines on diagnosis.
Teens suffering from the hyperactive type of ADHD talk excessively, are always on the go, fidget, and act in various impulsive ways. For teens to be diagnosed with ADHD, these symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and must have been observable in two or more settings. When a teen suffers from the inattention type of ADHD, they find it difficult to pay attention to details, sustain attention, follow instructions, and organize tasks. They may also avoid or dislike tasks requiring focus and mental workload.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Teens
Depending on the presentation of ADHD, your teen may exhibit a different set of symptoms. For teens with inattentive ADHD, the following teen ADHD symptoms may be observable:
- Being disorganized when doing tasks or having disorganized characteristics
- Losing essentials like books, mobile phones, and spectacles
- A strong dislike for tasks that require a mental workload
- Being easily distracted by things happening around them
- Not paying attention in class or at home
- Difficulty maintaining conversations
- Difficulty following instructions.
Teens who exhibit hyperactivity ADHD symptoms may show the following signs:
- Fidgeting
- Keeping their hands busy
- Climbing trees were in an inappropriate setting
- Being constantly on the go
- Running around
- Being restless
- Talking excessively
- reduced social skills
- Blurting out answers and having difficulty in turn-taking.
Why Consider Surf Therapy For Teen ADHD?
Surf therapy is a form of physical activity, teens with ADHD burn off their extra energy by surfing. Surf therapy also helps release endorphins and dopamine, which can be beneficial in controlling mood and behavior. Increased endorphins and dopamine in the bloodstream may improve attention and memory and boost mood.
According to a study conducted in 2011, teens with ADHD showed signs of improved impulse control and attentiveness after engaging in light exercises. Surf therapy is considered a light exercise since it does not require overutilization and over-exhaustion of muscles.
Another study conducted in 2015 showed that moderate exercise increased the activity in the brain and enhanced the effects of medication being used to treat ADHD. The study was a follow-up from another conducted in 2011, which focused on sports and ADHD. Future research is needed to further highlight the importance of surf therapy programs.
These studies indicate the health benefits of surf therapy for teens with ADHD. They have shown why you should consider enrolling your teen in a surf therapy session.
Benefits of Teen Surf Therapy for ADHD
Surf therapy has many health benefits for teens with ADHD. These benefits include the following:
Improved attention
Surf therapy has had such a positive impact in helping teens with ADHD with attention. Since surfing is considered a light workout or physical activity, endorphins and dopamine are released after a session. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, attention, and focus. A surge in the levels of these neurotransmitters can help keep teens with ADHD alert and focused on the task at hand.
Reduced hyperactivity
A connection with the natural environment is relaxing and calming. Have you ever felt the water calling you as you walk on the beach or beside a river? Water can have a calming feeling with the ebb and flow of the waves. These movements feel like your teen’s emotions are being washed away. Teens with the hyperactivity form of ADHD find it difficult to regulate their emotions effectively because of their racing minds. With surfing, your teen can relax and feel the calming effect of the water. Riding the waves is akin to the emotions of hyperactivity followed by a calming feeling. Surf therapy can be very beneficial to teens with ADHD because it helps in emotional regulation and helps teens relax their racing minds.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is taught during surf therapy to help teens stay in the present moment. Surfing requires teens to be present in the moment. They must appreciate the water, observe the waves, and correctly position themselves on the surfboard to ride waves successfully. Mindfulness is taught to help teens connect with their emotions and focus on the task at hand without distractions. For teens with ADHD, mindfulness helps them focus without being distracted by other things around them. Mindfulness has had a positive impact on teens and has been shown to help reduce symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity in teens with ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and depression.
Community
Teens with ADHD may often feel alone since their minds keep them distracted. They may not have strong emotional connections with others and may develop other mental health issues like depression. With surf therapy, teens with ADHD can form a community with their peers in a shared interest. Enrollment into a surf therapy program creates a surfing community that offers teens an outlet for their emotions and advice on coping mechanisms to help them with inattention or hyperactivity. Community has a positive impact on teens with ADHD. A sense of community improves interpersonal effectiveness while also helping your teen develop their social skills.
Real-Life Experiences
The Surf Therapy Program has several success stories. Many teens report feeling positive emotions and more connected as they surf. Charlotte Banfield stated, “As I stepped into the water, that was the first time I felt positive, and it was the first time I could be myself.” She continues to note that;” the moment you go in and you surf a couple of waves, and you just forget about everything.”
Charlotte stated that she felt like she had a purpose because of what surf therapy helped her achieve. Her confidence grew, and she termed herself “cooler.”
Charlotte is not alone. Other students of surf therapy marvel at how their mental health difficulties have been reduced because of surf therapy. Jared Dixon, another student of surf therapy, noted how his life improved when he started getting connected to the water. He reported feeling less troubled after he started surf therapy. He noted his mental health problems, together with addiction, had been reduced.
Where To Find Surf Therapy Programs
Surf therapy is an upcoming area of holistic treatment. Key Healthcare offers surf therapy in its wide array of programs. Teens in Wilshire Blvd, Culver City, Malibu region, and surrounding areas can benefit from Key Healthcare’s top-notch programs. Key Healthcare offers surf therapy for teens with ADHD, emotional dysregulation, substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions. Our staff is highly trained to ensure your teen receives the best services as they learn to live with ADHD.
Who Is Suitable for Surf Therapy?
Surf therapy is suitable for teens of all ages. Teens with ADHD, those recovering from substance use, those on the neurodivergent spectrum, and those with developmental issues can benefit most from surf therapy.
Potential Risks And Safety Precautions
Surf therapy involves the ocean, and if not cautious, it can be a dangerous activity for teens. The ocean is immense, expansive, and unpredictable. Before each session, Key Healthcare offers safety briefings to ensure your teen is adequately equipped for any issues that might arise during the surf. Our briefings offer surf therapy safety and comprehensive risk management and assessment before letting teens engage in surf therapy. Some potential risks of surfing that our team are aware of and has all the logistics to safeguard from them:
Surfing Wipeout
A surfing wipeout happens when teens fall off the surfboard due to the wave crashing. The force of the wave is so immense it drags teens down, and they need to recover quickly.
- To effectively get out of a wipeout without loss of consciousness, make sure you do not panic.
- If the crash has not happened, jump as far away from your board as possible to ensure you are not hit with the board.
- Where the crashing has started, protect your head and put your butt towards the board to absorb the impact of the water.
- After the wave has passed, resurface carefully while watching for debris and other waves.
Marine Life
Marine life is adventurous. Shark sightings are rare, but they do happen. While surfing, teens are asked to adhere to the rules of the beach. If there is a shark sighting, they should not get into the water. Other potentially hazardous animals include jellyfish, stingrays, blue-ringed octopuses, and sea snakes.
Riptides and Other Currents
Riptides are one of the most dangerous encounters at the beach. Teens are encouraged to stay calm, call for help, and tread water. They are also encouraged to swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip tide.
Not Able to Swim
Teens who cannot swim are discouraged from surfing at all. Before enrolling your teen in surf therapy, ensure they are strong swimmers and confident in the water.
Conclusion
Surf therapy can be very beneficial for teens with ADHD. Surf therapy helps hyperactive teens calm their minds as they engage in physical activity. A calm mind can benefit teens with ADHD since they struggle to settle down. Teens with an inattentive type of ADHD can also benefit from surf therapy since endorphins released help elevate mood, manage emotions, and help with focus. Other benefits of surf therapy for teens with ADHD are a connection with the natural world, mindfulness, improved social skills, and community. Key Healthcare has established safety protocols to ensure every teen is safe during surf therapy. Contact today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, numerous studies have been conducted on the benefits of surf therapy for teens. One such study highlighted the benefits of surf therapy. Participants in the study noted that surfing enhanced their community ties and increased their psychological well-being. Another study analyzed surf therapy’s quantitative and qualitative structure and helped develop better ways of conducting it. The study showed effective ways of conducting surf therapy to treat other mental health disorders and manage mental health symptoms.
No, surf therapy cannot be used as a standalone treatment for ADHD and other mental health disorders. It is used in combination with medication to manage ADHD effectively. Surf therapy works to promote physical and mental health.
Typically, surf therapy involves participants from ages 9 to 18. However, no age restrictions exist; anyone can enroll at a suitable institution.
A Surf therapy program typically lasts for 6-8 weeks.
Yes, surf therapy is not a standalone treatment for ADHD. It is combined with medication and traditional forms of therapy to ensure effective management of ADHD and other mental health problems.
Surf therapy instructors need a surfing certification from the International Surfing Association or any other recognized certification agency. This ensures they are trained properly as they will deal with beginners and other people looking to start surfing.
If you want to start surf therapy, you should have the following items: a surfboard, leash, surf wax, wet suit, and surf earplugs. Surf therapy helps treat many mental health problems, such as drug and substance use disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
