When nine-year-old Harrison was first referred to The Wave Project by his primary school, he was nervous about even getting near the water.

  His grandmother recalls: “I couldn’t get him into a swimming pool – he’d just sit on the side while the other children got in. It was the same with school sessions too.”

So when Harrison’s school suggested he join our six-week Surf Therapy course at Westward Ho!, the idea of getting into the sea felt daunting. The Wave Project team spoke with Harrison’s family before the sessions began and understood that they would need to take things slowly. Harrison had never worn a wetsuit before, and even the thought of being in the water made him anxious.

Taking the First Step

When Harrison arrived at his first session, the rain was pouring down, but he was met with a warm welcome from his Surf Mentor. The two formed an instant connection. Together, they started small, taking time to help Harrison get used to his wetsuit, his surfboard and the new environment.

In those early sessions, just standing at the water’s edge and dipping their toes in was a huge achievement. Week by week, Harrison grew more confident, first lying on his board, then catching small waves. With his mentor always by his side, he discovered his love for jumping waves and playing in the sea.

Building Confidence

“His journey with The Wave Project has been amazing,” says his grandmother. “He looks forward to his lessons so much. He holds his head up now — something he found hard to do in social situations. It’s given him confidence he didn’t have before.”

When asked what he learned, Harrison said proudly: “I learnt about going underneath the water. It’s all about being brave. I also learnt about being kind to others.”

After completing six-weeks of Surf Therapy, Harrison wanted to keep surfing and joined The Wave Project Surf Club. Although the next session would be at a new beach in Croyde with unfamiliar faces, Harrison amazed his family with how confidently he approached the experience.

His grandmother comments: “I’m amazed how he took to coming down to Croyde. It was new people and a new place, but he tells me he wasn’t anxious at all. The Wave Project has given him confidence in himself.”

During the Surf Club sessions, Harrison began learning new skills like floating and paddling. His confidence in and out of the water continued to grow.

Harrison’s mum has seen the impact too: “Seeing my boy find something he loves has been an absolute treat to watch. His confidence — not just in the water but with himself — has been immeasurable. My Harrison has really blossomed in these past few months. To have something he looks forward to is so heart-warming, and long may it continue. Thank you to everybody involved in helping my boy gain confidence and be less anxious.”