Surf Therapy for Whole Person Health in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review of Multidimensional Outcomes and Implications for Therapeutic Recreation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2026-V60-I2-13087

Keywords:

Community empowerment, integrated behavioral health, nature-based interventions, recreation therapy, surf therapy, therapeutic recreation, Whole Person Health, youth resilience

Abstract

Surf therapy offers an innovative, nature-based approach to address complex health needs in children and youth. This scoping review synthesizes recent evidence of surf therapy’s physical, psychological, social, cognitive, functional, and spiritual benefits within a Whole Person Health framework. Findings indicate that surf therapy enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing fatigue and improving functional mobility. Participants also show reduced depression, anxiety, and stress alongside improved self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social connectedness. Notably, youth with disabilities often experience equal or greater gains compared to their peers. The review further discusses how decentralized, community-driven implementation—aligned with emerging social prescribing models—can integrate surf therapy into complementary and integrative health services. Relevance to holistic wellness, health equity, and interprofessional practice is highlighted. Implications for therapeutic recreation practice and policy include embracing surf therapy as a Whole Person Health intervention and integrating it into social prescribing and community behavioral health programs.

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Published

2026-05-04

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 2 (2026): Whole Person Health

Section

Literature Review

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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