AUGUST 21, 2025 – Service to our country comes with costs, some visible and others less so. As you and your family may know all too well, military service can leave lasting psychological and emotional effects, and for many veterans and active-duty members, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) becomes an ongoing battle.
Traditional treatments such as therapy and medication play a central role, but innovative approaches are increasingly recognized as powerful allies in recovery.
Alongside forms of therapy such as equine therapy, one such approach is surf therapy, a structured form of ocean-based healing that combines physical activity, mindfulness, and community.
In this second article in an ongoing series on mental health in the Armed Forces, MilitarySpot.com assists our readers in understanding how surf therapy for military members with PTSD can help families, providers, and veterans themselves explore new avenues of healing.
What Is Surf Therapy for Veterans All About?
Surf therapy is more than simply learning to ride waves. It is a therapeutic intervention that integrates surfing with evidence-based practices designed to support mental health. Programs often include instruction from trained surf coaches, group support, mindfulness exercises, and opportunities for personal reflection in the ocean environment.
For military members, these elements are intentionally structured to build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and foster camaraderie.
Recognizing its impact, several mental health centers have incorporated surf therapy into their treatment offerings, providing veterans and first responders with structured opportunities to heal in the ocean as part of a broader recovery plan.
Why Surf Therapy Matters for Military Members with PTSD
PTSD can make daily life unpredictable, with symptoms ranging from flashbacks and intrusive thoughts to hypervigilance and avoidance behaviors.
Evaluating and diagnosing your condition at an accredited evidence-based treatment center should be your first step to recovery.
Surf therapy stands out because it places individuals in a natural environment that is both calming and challenging, creating a safe space to relearn trust in themselves and in others. The rhythmic nature of the ocean offers a grounding effect, and the accomplishment of catching a wave can counterbalance feelings of helplessness that often accompany trauma.
The Healing Power of the Ocean Itself
Being in or near water has long been associated with reduced stress and improved mental well-being. For veterans with PTSD, the ocean provides a sensory-rich environment that encourages mindfulness. The sound of waves, the feel of saltwater, and the focus required to balance on a board all draw attention into the present moment, making it harder for intrusive thoughts to dominate.
Research on “blue spaces” – natural water environments – has consistently shown that they can lower anxiety and support emotional regulation (NIH).
For military members who may feel trapped by past experiences, the expansive horizon can represent freedom and possibility.
Surfing Offers Physical Benefits that Support Mental Recovery
Surf therapy is also physically demanding, which has direct benefits for mental health. Paddling, balancing, and riding waves build cardiovascular fitness and core strength, releasing endorphins that elevate mood. Regular physical activity is known to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, both common in PTSD.
Unlike repetitive exercise routines, surfing provides variety and excitement, helping military members re-engage with activities they find meaningful. The physical effort required can also improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in those living with trauma.
Building Camaraderie and Social Connection on the Waves
One of the most powerful benefits of surf therapy for military members with PTSD is the sense of connection it fosters. Many veterans struggle with isolation after leaving active duty, finding it difficult to relate to civilian life.
Surf therapy programs often run in group formats, creating an environment where participants support one another and share victories in the water. This mirrors the camaraderie of military service, offering belonging and trust that can be difficult to replicate in civilian settings.
Group activities on the beach and in the surf remind participants that recovery does not need to be a solitary journey.
Surfing as a Means of Restoring Confidence and Reducing Avoidant Behaviors
PTSD often leads to avoidance behaviors, where individuals steer clear of situations that feel uncertain or overwhelming. Surf therapy gently challenges this tendency by placing veterans in a setting that requires adaptability and persistence.
Falling off a board, paddling back out, and trying again provides a safe and tangible way to practice resilience. Each small victory builds confidence and reinforces the idea that challenges can be faced rather than avoided. For military members accustomed to high levels of discipline and performance, this gradual process of mastery can be deeply restorative.
Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation in Surf Therapy
Surfing demands focus. Reading waves, timing a paddle, and maintaining balance require presence in the moment. This natural mindfulness helps veterans practice emotional regulation skills that directly counter PTSD symptoms.
Instead of ruminating on past trauma or worrying about potential threats, participants are encouraged to engage fully with the immediate task.
Over time, this ability to remain grounded in the present can extend into daily life, offering tools for coping with triggers or stress. Many surf therapy programs incorporate breathwork and guided mindfulness practices, reinforcing these skills both in and out of the water.
Is Surf Therapy Offered Within Mental Health Programs?
The integration of surf therapy into mental health treatment centers reflects a broader understanding of how recovery must address both the body and mind.
Centers such as a California dual-diagnosis treatment facility, often pair surf therapy with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, and trauma-focused modalities.
For military members with PTSD, this combination provides a structured yet holistic path forward. Surf sessions offer immediate relief and empowerment, while clinical therapies ensure that deeper issues are processed in a safe and supportive way.
By blending ocean-based healing with professional care, treatment centers create a more comprehensive and engaging recovery experience.
Bridging the Gap Between Therapy and Everyday Life
Another benefit of surf therapy is its ability to bridge formal treatment and daily living. For some military members, therapy sessions in an office setting can feel distant from the challenges of real life. Surf therapy brings healing into a lived experience, teaching skills in an environment that is dynamic, unpredictable, and rewarding.
The lessons learned; patience, perseverance, and adaptability, are directly transferable to relationships, work, and community reintegration. By combining structured support with the freedom of the ocean, surf therapy complements more traditional therapeutic modalities.
Surf Therapy and Stories of Transformation
Veterans who participate in surf therapy often report meaningful changes in their outlook. Many describe reduced feelings of anger, improved sleep, and greater motivation to pursue other healthy habits. For some, the first time standing up on a surfboard becomes a symbolic moment of reclaiming agency over their life.
These transformations highlight the unique way surf therapy speaks to the needs of those with PTSD, not just as an activity but as a holistic pathway to recovery. Programs dedicated to veterans, such as Operation Surf and the Wave Project, have documented measurable improvements in participants’ well-being.
Looking Toward the Future of Surf Therapy
As interest in complementary therapies grows, surf therapy is becoming a more recognized part of trauma-informed care for military members. Ongoing research continues to explore its long-term benefits, but early evidence and lived experiences strongly support its role in improving mental health outcomes.
Providers and policymakers are beginning to see the value of offering surf therapy alongside established treatments, ensuring that veterans have access to diverse and effective tools for recovery. The ocean may not replace traditional therapy, but it provides a powerful partner in the healing process.
Surf Therapy Has Clear Benefits for Military Members with PTSD
Our look into this emerging approach has really verified how the benefits of surf therapy for military members with PTSD are multifaceted, encompassing physical fitness, mindfulness, social connection, and personal empowerment.
By stepping into the waves, veterans engage in a therapeutic experience that aligns with their strengths, addresses their challenges, and opens new pathways toward healing.
Today, more and more mental health centers are incorporating surf therapy into their programming, ensuring that this unique approach is available as part of comprehensive treatment.
For those living with trauma, surf therapy represents more than recreation, it is an invitation to rediscover resilience, purpose, and even get better overall peace of mind on a daily basis.
We sincerely hope our resource on this emerging behavioral health support tool for veterans and active duty service members has helped shine the light on a useful practice for dealing with addiction and trauma, and we hope you visit us again regularly at Military Spot!