The Wave played host to the Reef x Heads Above The Waves Surf Experience, which was organised as part of their collaborative ‘blue health’ campaign, encouraging people to spend time in and around water to improve their mental wellbeing. Hosted by Global Reef Ambassador, Mike Lay, and photographer, Evie Johnstone, the event saw sixteen young people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences come together and take to the water for their very first surf lesson.
We had a chat with Evie to find out more about the experience.
Evie, can you share a bit about your personal journey with surfing and how it’s impacted your mental health?
Surfing has always been such a huge part of my life. The ocean is an incredibly nourishing place. Apart from giving me a sense of purpose, surfing for me is an escape, somewhere where I become fully present and immersed in the moment. It’s such a deep connection to nature. Surfing encompasses so many things, it’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s humbling, it’s exciting, it’s a great workout, and it ignites an energy in me that I don’t get from anything else. There’s nothing out there that fills my cup and soul as much as surfing does.
In your experience what makes the ocean such a unique environment compared with other settings?
The ocean is constantly moving and changing, nothing is ever the same and I have such a profound respect for her. It really helps deepen your connection with yourself and to nature. She’s cleansing and nourishing, and the vastness and calmness gives me a huge sense of peace. It’s a quiet place for me, a happy place, a place to escape the often overwhelming energies that we experience in the world on a daily basis.
Over a month ago you spent a day at The Wave with HATW, can you tell us a bit about how was that experience for you and how the day went?
HATW and Reef embarked on a collaboration to invite people to the Wave in Bristol and introduce them to surfing and teach them about the benefits of the sport and being in the water. The best thing about the day was to watch the personalities and souls come alive when they enter the water and immerse themselves in learning to surf. There was so much laughter, happiness and high vibration, everyone with a beaming smile. It’s such a pleasure to watch. Heads Above the Waves focuses on healthy and positive coping mechanisms to deal with mental health, and brings people together to remind them that they are not alone. They have a platform that offers advice and a community to bring people together who are struggling. It was very special to be a part of the day that brought such a vast group of people together to enjoy a new experience, and be able to share how surfing has helped us in our own struggles on our personal journeys.
“It really helps deepen your connection with yourself and to nature”
Overall what’s the biggest positive experience for mental health benefits of surfing and the ocean?
It’s something that you can do for you. An experience that you can fully immerse in and become fully present. It’s a very personal thing, everything else seems to melt away. The world becomes less loud. This is true in surfing and also just being in the water, taking the time to go for a swim and really connect with nature.
How can people get involved with HATW if they are struggling and looking for support?
The HATW website offers plenty of advice, resources and workshops that are all free to access here.
