A new model of mental wellness support is making waves in South Africa – literally. Nonprofit organization Waves for Change (W4C) has been bringing accessible mental well-being support to underserved communities for over ten years through “Surf Therapy” – a programme that combines physical activity and play with psychosocial support. With an annual reach of over 2,800 adolescents aged 10-16, W4C helps young people growing up in high stress environments to build protective relationships, form social connections, identify and regulate their emotions, and form a positive future vision.

Waves for Change grew from voluntary weekend surfing sessions into a structured and evidence-based mental well-being curriculum through collaboration with experts and both national and international universities. W4C focuses on adolescents growing up in high-risk environments such as poverty, repeated exposure to violence, and prolonged stress. For many adolescents in South Africa, where access to mental health care remains deeply unequal, issues with substance abuse, lack of school engagement, low self esteem, violent behavior, and isolation from friends are left unaddressed. W4C creates a safe space on the shore, running structured group activities that accommodate adolescents in need of mental well-being support – including those who live in child care homes or have been in conflict with the law.

Each Surf Therapy session equips adolescents with valuable tools to navigate life’s challenges. Participants learn skills on how to cope with stress, practise mindfulness and focus, build resilience, and regulate their emotions. One participant of Surf Therapy shared how Waves for Change impacted his life: “I came to W4C to change my life from… getting away from these anger issues. It helped me with my anger issues; being more respectful to my mother and to others. Helping others, caring for other people, standing up for others. And I’m happy to be here at W4C because they changed my life a lot.” 

Surf Therapy’s core objective is to provide a safe space for adolescents where they can learn new skills in a fun way, while building safe friendships with their peers and coaches. In 2024, 2,575 sessions were run across five coastal sites. “We always have fun as a team,” a participant shares. Another states, “I used to be really lonely and now I have new friends.” 

By training over 40 young adults between the ages of 18-25 as surf coaches and mental well-being mentors, W4C offers employment opportunities for the local community. These coaches understand the cultural and socioeconomic contexts in which the participants live and are able to personally connect with them. Supervised by mental health professionals, coaches also receive continuous support in their own mental well-being journeys. 

“Our coaches are treating us well with inclusive care. They provide us with safe space and they always show energy,” a young participant shares about the program. Many share these sentiments of safety and belonging: “I feel happy and comfortable when I am here.” 

Both short and long term feedback from the programme reports reduced stressed levels, increased confidence, and sustained improvements in emotional well-being. Adolescents report an enhanced ability to self-regulate their emotions and make stronger social connections, while teachers, parents, and caregivers also recognise the programme’s influence on adolescents’ emotional growth and engagement in class.

W4C is also deeply committed to inclusive mental well-being care. Its specialised morning programme serves adolescents and young people with disabilities, including those who are neurodiverse and non-verbal. To ensure every child can engage meaningfully, W4C trains their coaches in Makaton – a language system of speech, signs, and symbols to teach communication to individuals with learning difficulties. This ensures that youth on the spectrum are not excluded due to communication barriers. 

Through the fun and transformative act of surfing, Waves For Change is rewriting what mental well-being care can look like and who it can reach. 

To learn more about W4C or to support their initiatives, visit Waves For Change.