The Wave Project’s pioneering Surf Therapy programmes reached an exciting new milestone with the launch of a transformative Wellbeing Retreat for eight young men, created in partnership with Both Sides Retreats.

Held at 7^th Rise in Cornwall, the three-day experience brought together a small group of young men who have previously taken part in the charity’s Surf Therapy programmes. The retreat was designed as a follow-on opportunity to help participants deepen their journey of self-discovery, healing and purpose.

From cold water immersion and breathwork to foraging, fire-building and surfing at the charity’s Newquay hub, the weekend offered space to explore what it means to be calm, grounded and connected, to nature; spending time in nature and around older male role models as they navigate the important transition from boy to man.

   Participants described the experience as “life-changing,” and feedback from facilitators and team members has underlined just how vital and impactful this kind of support can be.

One of the participant’s parents commented: “I just wanted to thank you for taking Lucian on the wellbeing men’s retreat. He has come home with such a positive mental attitude and is really inspired to get out there in the great outdoors and do more. We are starting by going for cold water swims! He seems more mature and grounded. This experience has done wonders for his confidence and his outlook. Lucian lives at home with just myself and his sister – it’s been so fantastic to have this time with positive male role models.”

This project was made possible thanks to the generosity and shared vision of Both Sides Retreats and The Wave Project. Both Sides Retreats was set up by three wellness facilitators in Cornwall who have been hosting transformational retreats for men for the past five years. They set up their own charity in response to the ongoing challenges faced by young men in society, looking to extend their work to these young men on a no-cost basis.

Ramon Van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer at The Wave Project, who attended a Both Sides Retreat in 2024, comments: “Our Surf Therapy programme has always been phase 1 of 3. Once our surfers have done Surf Therapy they can join our Surf Club, which is the second phase. There so many of the progress and benefits of that phase one are really embedded and real friendships are built. From the age of 14 our surfers can become young Surf Mentors, our phase 3. Having witnessed the confidence and further potential of these young people we wanted to create further opportunities for them. I am so pleased that we have been able to create something so special with the Both Sides Retreats Foundation. I am very grateful for Anthony, Josh and Jesse who, with Ruariridh, one of our Scotland Project Coordinators, delivered something so impactful for 8 of our Young Surf Mentors.”

Josh from Both Sides Retreats adds: “Young men in society get a bit of a bad reputation, but we were so impressed by the attitude that The Wave Project Young Surf Mentors showed throughout this retreat. We wanted to equip them with some tools that will help them become better men; for the benefit of their families, communities and themselves. What we didn’t expect is that spending time with them would inspire us to become better men too.”

This retreat marks the latest step in The Wave Project’s approach to early intervention and long-term support. With 1 in 5 young people now living with a diagnosable mental health condition and over 35,000 waiting more than two years for specialist support, the need for community-based mental health interventions such as Surf Therapy has never been more vital.

Data from 2024/25 the charity’s evaluation shows the difference this kind of support can make:

• 70.5% of young people report improved resilience
• 70.3% report greater confidence
• 66.2% feel increased calmness
• 52.5% say they have more trust in others

Opportunities are available for you to sponsor a single participant’s place or invest in a whole retreat for 2026 and beyond, with the chance to change young lives and be part of a programme proven to make a difference.