Welcome to the International Surf Therapy Organization,

The leading information hub for the surf therapy sector and a space for knowledge sharing in the practitioner community.

(Postponed) ISTO European Conference 5th-6th July

Surf therapy practitioners from across the world will gather at Watergate Bay in Cornwall for a 2-day conference theme Building Trust (postponed)

ISTO Declaration

Surf therapy takes a structured approach to surfing to achieve a therapeutic benefit. Surf therapy plays a significant role globally in improving peoples’ health and well-being.

Our Mission & Vision

A 501(c)(3) ~ Our mission and vision are to enable more access to safe surf therapy through evidence-based prescription.

Surf Therapy Resources

Access our Research/Data Collection, Surf Therapy Toolkit, Health Benefits, Bibliography & Whitepapers.

Surf Therapy Defined

A method of intervention combining surf instructing/surfing and structured individual or group activities that promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being.
*Published in the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice.

intlsurftherapyorg

We are a global community of surf therapy practitioners and researchers collaborating to advance the use of surf therapy as a health intervention 💙

Make Your Own Waves!! We love this very low budge

Make Your Own Waves!!

We love this very low budget surf movie @ira_shu 💙

#Repost @surfmatreshka
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#justforfun #surfart #drawlikeakid #surfcartoon #simpleanimation #swellcreations #primitiveart #surfeveryday #surf #surftherapy #surfanything #surfers #surflife #makewaves #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #ourprescription

ISTO's work is to enable more inclusive and greate

ISTO's work is to enable more inclusive and greater access to safe surf therapy by advancing the research, sharing and developing wise practices, and advocating for surf therapy to be used globally to improve mental health.

We believe universal recognition, training, and prescription surf therapy would provide people with the much-needed alternative methodology to mental health support—our mission and vision center on expanding exposure and solutions to our worldwide mental health crisis.

THE 2020 ISTO SYMPOSIUM MAKING WAVES: through Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality in the Lineups will be acknowledged in everything we do at the 2021 ISTO CONFERENCE in Cornwall @waveprojectuk this October!!

We want to send a massive shout-out to the Individuals, Organizations and Foundations that support our global efforts as well as our Contributor's local efforts. We can't do our work without you ~ Mahalo
@beyondsport
@kinecta
@bluezonemarin @wristsponsible @forseabrand @beingontheinside @mentalpodcast
@withitgirl @sustainable.partners @adamajrbrothers @bluemindhealth @wallacejnichols
@inclusea @easkeysurf @shauntomson @aaronchang

#gofargotogether #worldmentalhealthday #surftherapy #mentalwellness #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #sdg3 #ISTO2021conference #cornwall #uk #waveproject

We can't THANK YOU enough, Amanda, and The Mental

We can't THANK YOU enough, Amanda, and The Mental Wellness Foundation, for your unwavering support to ISTO. Without your generosity, it would be impossible to continue our mission to foster the surf therapy sector's growth collaboratively.

Congratulations on the work you're doing in Northern California. We're honored to add your Organization to our Contributor's list because, of course, the most significant contribution is what you do on the beach and in the ocean with your participants. 💙🌀💙

Mahalo @bluezonemarin @marinoutdooradventure for your important work!

#Repost @bluezonemarin
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Surf Seasters! Join us in the waves and in the circle 7/17 and 8/21! @marinoutdooradventure has the sign up info.

Thank you @chapmanatsea ~ WE LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL ART!

#gofargotogether #bettertogether
#surftherapy #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #womenempoweringwomen #diversity #equality #inclusion #sameteam #sdg3 #beyondsport #mentalwellnessfoundation

ISTO FREE WEBINAR June 24th (USA) | June 25th (Aus

ISTO FREE WEBINAR June 24th (USA) | June 25th (Australia) LINK IN BIO to JOIN us!

FEATURING WAVES OF WELLNESS FOUNDATION
@foundationwow

An Australian-based mental health surf therapy charity, changing lives since 2016.

WOW, delivers 17 different kinds of surf therapy programs, including youth trauma, indigenous, domestic violence, refugees, men's health, veterans, and emergency services surf therapy programs to name a few.

We are so proud of this team and stoked to be hosting them at our next Webinar! Thank you @joelpilgrim @mmicelli @bentleyfelipeward
💙💙💙

#surftherapy #isto #australia #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #inclusion #gofargotogether #webinar #research #evidence #clinicians #occupationaltherapy #ot #nonprofit #global #understanding #sharing #advocate #sameteam #sdg3 #beyondsport

Celebrating #pride #pridemonth 🏳️‍🌈 We

Celebrating #pride #pridemonth 🏳️‍🌈

We will always support, and serve the many unique individuals that make up THE WORLD, and ALL who come down to the beach and surf with us!
. . .
Celebrate Pride Month with compassion and empathy for the LGBTQ communities that live with injustices and discrimination simply because of who they are, and who they love!

#bewhoyouare #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #surftherapy #optoutside #bluemind #weareone #diversity #equity #inclusion #lgbtq #mentalhealthawareness #gofargotogether #pride🌈

@loudgrafix - we are forever grateful for your endless support!! You are a bright star and basking in your light is an honor! 🙌🏾

A L O H A Surf therapy programs around the world

A L O H A

Surf therapy programs around the world utilize the healing powers of the ocean to promote mental & physical wellbeing for their participants. We can't be well in a sick sea. Thus, protecting and restoring our ONE shared Ocean is required by all. 💙

ISTO is proud to add our support to the #30x30 proposal, to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030 and we encourage others to do so - LINK IN BIO to sign the petition.

TAKE ACTION sign petitions, do a beach cleanup, support organizations who center their work around protecting our shared ocean and life below (15-of those orgs tagged).

See you in the ocean!

#worldoceanday #protect30x30 #oceanclimateaction #surftherapy #protectwhatyoulove #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #sdgs #sdg14 #unitednations #lifebelowwater #bluemind #bettertogether #isto #scrippsinstitutionofoceanography #votetheocean #healthebay #surfriderfoundation

Building Trust is the theme at this year's ISTO |

Building Trust is the theme at this year's ISTO | Europe Conference.

Whether you're working on your trust issues with significant others, your children, colleagues, friendships, or in surf therapy (earning the trust of your participants) - the key ingredients are all the same.

Do what you say you will do (be dependable)

Support your loved ones, friends (family by choice), and team members (keep your participants safe)

Be approachable and friendly (people trust people they like)

Be honest (even when it's difficult, tell the truth - not just what you think people want to hear)

For MORE Please join us this July for surf therapy on July 3rd and workshops and guest speakers July 5-6th.

LINK IN BIO to REGISTER!
#Repost @waveprojectuk
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We're so exited to be hosting the first ISTO European Conference here in Cornwall!

The conference will include panel discussions, workshops, and outdoor activities, all with a focus on building trust. Bringing together leading surf therapy organisation heads to build on best practice and learn from one another.

This year the event will be both online and in person, and we'd love for you to join us! If you want to be part of it, you can buy your tickets via the link in our bio 👆

#waveproject #isto #gofargotogether #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #istoeuropeconference #buildingtrust #bettertogether

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949.

Surf therapy programs have been delivering mental health support for decades.

Our programs are shining a bright spotlight on mental illness (One Wave is All it Takes @onewaveisallittakes heads to the beach every Friday morning armed with surfboards and dressed in neon shades to bring 'color' and awareness to Mental Health).

Mental Health has been in the dark long enough. We're trading in the couch for a surfboard, going outdoors, and proudly targeting Mental Health daily.

Almost every family has a member who suffers from a mental health problem. One BIG reason that mental health treatment should remain an essential service in health insurance plans.

A global pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. It is critical to eliminate the shame around mental health struggles, because that very shame prevents individuals from seeking help.

It's Ok Not To Be Ok!

#surftherapy #mentalhealth #mentalwellness
#mham
#breakthestigma
#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #oknottobeok
#mayformentalhealth #inclusion #sdg3 #beyondsport #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #unitednations

Wristsponsible is a platform that enables artisans

Wristsponsible is a platform that enables artisans, charities, communities and global citizens to work together towards a more equitable world. Your purchase of artisan craft goods and actions of sustainable kindness build a more Wristsponsible world - one person and one act at a time.

They have employed female artisans in Thailand, Greece and Kenya while our impacted communities receive solutions that are culturally tailored towards their specific needs.

Thanks to your contributions, they are able to convert their income into projects that will empower communities in need all around the world.

We are STOKED to be beneficiaries of these incredible individuals @kevinsofen ~ Thank you!!

#Repost @wristsponsible
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What does it mean to #BeWristsponsible? It means to
💧 live sustainably
💧 empower others
💧 have a #bluemind
💧 show compassion, empathy, love and selflessness
💧 support artisan goods
💧 never lose hope
💧 have dedication to provide safe, clean water for those who need it

Find out ways to join our efforts at www.wristsponsible.com (🔗 in bio)💙
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#donate #change #activism #nonprofit #dogood #charity #community #philanthropy #water #volunteer #education #forpurpose

Details coming soon... We’ll be hosting mini-wo

Details coming soon...

We’ll be hosting mini-workshops, highlighting new Contributors and of course panels of diverse and inclusive guest speakers!

Stayed Tuned...

#gofargotogether #isto #2021ISTOSummit #bettertogether #surftherapy #research #mentalhealth #physicalwellness #collaboration #diversity #equity #inclusion #equality #beyondsport #sdg3 #sameteam

The theme for this year's Earth Day is "Restore Ou

The theme for this year's Earth Day is "Restore Our Earth" ~~ with a focus on natural methods and emerging green technologies that can help heal the world's ecosystems.

Today we celebrate Earth Day ~ let's protect what we love and consciously leave Earth (our beaches, our oceans) better than we found them every single day!

We are beneficiaries of all that Mother Earth has to offer.

Reduce and Reuse!! Become owners of Mother Earth rather than consumers of Her. Protect what you LOVE!
♻️✅💚

We advocate for surf therapy to be used globally to improve mental health, but we can’t talk about the therapeutic benefits of surfing without being champions for ALL that is Mother Earth!
🌎🌍🌏

#earthday #everydayisearthday #protectwhatyoulove #oceanvisions #scrippsinstitutionofoceanography #beyondsport #sdgs #sdgs2030 #sdg3 #sdg2 #sdg6 #sdg7 #sdg11 #sdg12 #sdg13 #sdg14 #sdg15 #mentalhealth #surftherapy #planetearth #earth #sea #sky #healthyearthhealthyharvest #healthyoceanhealthyplanet #stewardship #votetheocean

Thanks to everybody who has participated in our Wo

Thanks to everybody who has participated in our Working Groups so far!

We're designing a space for like-minded individuals (who happen to serve the same vulnerable populations in surf therapy) to create infinite ripples of change.

#ISTOworkinggroups #sameteam #connecting #collaborating #beyondsport #communication #sharing #gofargotogether #sdg3 #sdgs #unitednations #surftherapy #research #ourprescription #naturerx #bluehealth #bluemind #bettertogether #ridethewaves

ISTO's mantra is "Go Far. Go Together." We refer

ISTO's mantra is "Go Far. Go Together."

We refer to our members as Contributors because without their commitment to delivering surf therapy, and dedication to the research, and willingness to share everything they know, it would be challenging to improve our practices across populations!

Our WORKING GROUPS are kicking off this week! Let's make meaningful change together - is there any other way?

#connection #collaboration #gofargotogether #surftherapy #research #ourprescription #naturerx #bluehealth #bluemind #bettertogether #ISTOworkinggroups #isto #contributors #nonprofit #pilotstudy #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #sameteam #sdg3 #beyondsport

Seventy-five surf therapy organizations worldwide

Seventy-five surf therapy organizations worldwide have said YES we want to connect, collaborate and help build a case for more time on a surfboard through surf therapy research together!!

Our International Pilot Study is just launching. If you have always wanted to collect data and are looking for support - we are here for you—EMAIL in Bio to join us!

Our Working Groups are starting this month - if you'd like to interact, meet (over Zoom - for now), and share with peers and colleagues around the world serving the same population as your program - EMAIL in Bio to join us!

Go Far. Go Together!
💙💙💙

#surftherapy #ourprescription #naturerx #bluemind #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #safespaces #diversity #equity #inclusion #research #connection #collaboration #surfwithfriends #gofargotogether #isto #nonprofit #optoutside #bluespace #healthyocean #healthyoceanhealthyhumans #beyondsport #sameteam #sdg3

Celebrating Phenomenal Women all around the world

Celebrating Phenomenal Women all around the world every single day! LINK IN BIO to support this important film featuring one of the first girls to surf in Sri Lanka 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

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We Are Like Waves and We Are Making Waves!!

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#Repost @easkeysurf
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WE ARE LIKE WAVES

A film about the struggles and breakthroughs of becoming one of the first female Sri Lankan surfers.

The film @wearelikewaves by @jordynromero features @sanugalappaththi’s pioneering journey as she discovers the power of surfing in her life after learning to swim and surf with @sea_sisters_lk.

The goal of the film-makers is to shift the mindset that ‘Sri Lankan girls don’t surf’, and to support, inspire and celebrate more diverse women on waves.

There are just 24 hours left to support the crowdfunder for the film’s post-production and claim some amazing perks - link in bio to learn more! 🌊💙 🏄🏾‍♀️ 🎥

#womenwhosurf
#surffilm
#srilankasurf
#bluehealth
#choosetochallenge #womenhistorymonth #womensupportingwomen #womenempoweringwomen #physicalwellbeing #surftherapy #surfwithfriends #girlswhosurf

ISTO Monthly WEBINARS are back! We hope you plan

ISTO Monthly WEBINARS are back!

We hope you plan to join us next week, evening of March 30th (USA) | afternoon of March 31st (Australia) - Link in Bio to Register.

@oceanmindinc will be discussing what their research has seen by connecting theory and evidence to practice. They will discuss how intervention mapping can inform the development of surf therapy programs and a deeper look into the research model used to evaluate their program.

Celebrating extraordinary women by honoring the exceptional women who have Founded or Co-Founded surf therapy programs worldwide is just one way we do it. Brava to you ALL and your outstanding surf therapy programs, and Thank you for your hard work!!

Special Mahalo to Rachael Parker @ridin.thewave for bringing her team together to lead our first webinar in 2021!!

#EqualEverywhere #surftherapy #webinar #isto #womenmakinghistory #womenshistorymonth #womenempoweringwomen #surftherapy #oceanmind #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #bluemind #nonprofit #research #naturerx #gofargotogether

Rell Kapolioka'ehukai, "the heart of the sea," Sun

Rell Kapolioka'ehukai, "the heart of the sea," Sunn known as 'Queen of Mākaha.'

We lost you too soon, Aunty Rell, but we're so thankful for the waves you rode for young women the world over. You were a pioneer for females in surfing and a pioneer in medicine for breast cancer awareness.

Rell was:

~Hawaii's number one female amateur surfer for five years.
~American World Surfing Champion
~Hawaii's first female lifeguard.
~In 1966, she accompanied Duke Kahanamoku on a trip to California to attend a world championship and began traveling worldwide to compete professionally.
~Along with Mary Setterholm @beach2harvard - Jericho Poppler @jerichopoppler and MaryLou Drummy @maryloudrummy ~ Rell co-founded the Women's International Surfing Association (WISA) in 1975, the first women's pro circuit.

@rellsunneducational ~ your legacy continues to lead us!
Rest in paradise, Aunty Rell!

#womensherstorymonth #herstory
#womenshistorymonth #hawaiian #girlswhosurf #surftherapy #inclusion #diversity #equity #womensurfers #beyondsport #physicalwellbeing #SDG3 #mentalwellness #cancersucks #lifeguard #pioneer #legend #womensupportingwomen #aloha #mahalo #ahuihoukakou

Women Making Herstory... At some distant point in

Women Making Herstory...

At some distant point in the future, our younger generation will take over society's reins in all its diverse spheres. The younger generation is here and hopeful and will continue to make decisive moves.

Today is the first day of Women's History Month, and we recognize our young women!!

For the mesmerizing reading of 'The Hill We Climb' by Amanda Gorman, SEE LINK in BIO.

#womensupportingwomen #herstory #womenmakinghistory #millennials #Genz #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #thehillweclimb #gofargotogether #sameteam #globalgoals #sdg3 #beyondsport #diversity #equity #inclusion

Surf therapy sessions open the doors for so many o

Surf therapy sessions open the doors for so many of our participants to change how they see the world.

When they overcome significant challenges, they see their potential, and the possibilities are endless.

Coach and mentor @jamielee_dee_davids experiences these miracles in South Africa with @wavesforchange ~ Thank you Jamie-Lee for your important role to help shape our future!

#surftherapy #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #selfefficacy #bluemind #bluehealth #mentor #coach #surfwithfriends #beyondsport #isto #ourprescription #naturerx #research #collaboration #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #thisisafrica #capetown #southafrica #sdg3 #muizenbergbeach #globalgoals #sameteam #gofargotogether #2020istosymposium

What does "a seat at the table" mean? Being prese

What does "a seat at the table" mean?
Being present where decisions (policies and procedures) are made and creating a practice that makes accessing the table possible for all.

If you're in a position of power ~ slide on over and make room for diverse opinions and experiences or ask for a seat at someone else's table - to listen, learn, and understand what others have to offer.

With the International Surf Therapy Organization there will always, always be a place for you at the table!

Thank you @tamalal for building a table big enough for all and inviting us to join you. 🙌🏾

#diversity #equity #inclusion #genderequality #collaboration #2020istosymposium #gofargotogether #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #surftherapy #womenempowerment #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #physicalwellbeing #sdg3 #globalgoals #sameteam #dignityhealthsportspark #pipkinfamilyfoundation #beyondsport #tbt

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