More than a Sea Cure: Why the ocean and other blue spaces are becoming part of the mental health conversation
For centuries, people have travelled to Cornwall in search of a “sea cure”. Victorian doctors prescribed time by the seaside, believing that sea air, cold water and the rhythm of the waves could restore body and mind. While medicine has evolved considerably since, the instinct that the ocean has a positive effect on our wellbeing has never really gone away.
Today, a growing body of research is helping us understand the role that “blue spaces” (oceans, rivers, lakes and wave pools) can play in supporting mental health and wellbeing. While spending time by the sea is unlikely to be the sole cure for anxiety, depression or trauma, researchers, including our own team, are increasingly finding that being around water can create the conditions in which people feel calmer, more connected and better able to cope.
For us, that idea feels particularly relevant:
At The Wave Project, we’ve spent the past 15 years harnessing the unique qualities of these blue spaces through evidence-based Surf Therapy. What transforms lives is the combination of the ocean with achievable challenges and a supportive community where every young person is encouraged to progress at their own pace. For some, success looks like standing up on a surfboard for the first time. For others, it’s making a new friend, trying something they never thought possible or simply smile again.
Every year, 2,600 children and young people access our programmes across the UK. They come to us through a network of more than 800 referral partners, including schools, NHS services, local authorities and charities, and are supported by 1,400 volunteers who give their time to help young people thrive.
One of our referral partners, a school in St Ives, recently reflected on the changes they saw after pupils completed our Surf Therapy programme: “Over the six weeks, we observed noticeable growth in confidence, resilience and independence. Children who were initially anxious or reluctant to try new experiences became increasingly willing to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves in the water.
“One of the most significant outcomes was the increase in self-esteem. The children regularly spoke about their surfing experiences with pride and enthusiasm, and many carried that confidence back into school.
“The kindness, patience and encouragement shown by your team created a safe and supportive environment in which our pupils could thrive.”
Across the UK, increasing numbers of children and young people are struggling with their mental health, placing unprecedented pressure on schools, families and health services. There is growing recognition that early intervention and preventative support have an essential role to play. Surf Therapy is one example of what that can look like.
Perhaps that brings us back to the idea of the “sea cure”. At The Wave Project, we’re fortunate to witness it every week, not as a cure, but as part of something much bigger.
Because when blue spaces are combined with evidence-based support, trusted adults and a community that believes in young people, something remarkable happens. Children who arrived anxious, withdrawn or overwhelmed begin to rediscover confidence in themselves.
As demand for our programmes continues to grow, so does the need for funding, volunteers and partners who believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive.