Go Far, Go Together

Advocating for surf therapy to be used globally to improve mental health. Our mission is to enable inclusive access to safe surf therapy research.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to counteract the spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with philanthropic giving to charities in need of support. Donate to Support Global Efforts in Surf Therapy through the International Surf Therapy Organization.

DONATE TO SUPPORT ISTO

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 💙

How many rad humans do you know in the surfing com

How many rad humans do you know in the surfing community who exude the Aloha Spirit/Stoke wherever they go?

How many of those same rad humans would love a trip to Namotu Island and a $10,000 cash gift to grant to their favorite charity (NGO)?

The Aloha Award presented by @intlsurftherapyorg aims to recognize, reward and support exceptional individuals in the global surf community who, in addition to cultivating and sharing their joy of surfing with others in the water are making meaningful contributions to the well being of their communities.

LINK IN BIO to Nominate by February 28,2023 💙💦🤍

・・・
🌀The winner receives a trip to @namotuisland in Fiji, and a US$10,000 donation to a charity or non-profit of their choice
🌀One runner up will receive a $5,000 donation and
🌀Three finalists will receive a $2,500 donation to the charities or non-profit of their choices

Nominate today!! 💙

#thealohaaward #alohaspirit #surftherapy #surfing #surfismedicine #ourprescription #gofargotogether #fiji #namotuisland #grant #forpurpose #nonprofit #surftrip #surfeveryday #surfers #kindness #alohaaward #dogood #mentalhealth @alohaaward

💙🙏🏾🤍 Vinaka for your generous support @namotuisland @namotu @fly_fijiairways @plazahomemortgage

Mahalo to our guest speakers at the ISTO 2022 Conf

Mahalo to our guest speakers at the ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined!!

There were a lot of meaningful topics discussed during our panels, at lunch, and for hours afterward. Thank you to everyone who added to the conversations.

A special shout-out to ALL of our attendees who traveled far and wide to be with us in person and stayed up at all hours to join us online. 🙌🏾

🌀Elizabeth Bishop @drbishopdigital
🌀Kwame LaBassiere @tribe_of_zen
🌀Jo Decrind
🌀James Mallows
🌀Sam Davies
@opsurfwell
🌀Rob Sanderson @theswelmission
🌀Jacob Pacheco @pronetoride
🌀Jennifer Kumiayma @kumirocks
🌀Isabel Frandsen @gurliif
🌀Tracy Quinn @tracyquinn_h2o
🌀Nancy Shrodes
🌀Annelisa Moe
🌀Jenna Segal
@healthebay
🌀Kristen Walter @kristenhwalter
🌀Betty Michalewicz-Kragh
🌀Traute Winters
🌀Paul Stansbury @namiglac
🌀Nazeen Chughtai @crazylifeofnaz
🌀Kevin Sousa @kevinsousaband
🌀Marc Chávez @nativelikewater
🌀Dina Gilio-Whitaker @dinagiliowhitaker
🌀Greg Bertish @littleoptimist @gregbertish
🌀Kris Primacio @kprimacio 🌀Mark Hartmann @alohaaward
🌀Vipe Desai @vipedesai @surf_industry
🌀Andy Hadden @andy_hadden @wavegarden_scot
🌀Joel Pilgrim @joelpilgrim @foundationwow
🌀Jamie Marshall @stokedresearch

We are forever grateful 📸📸@parkerinthewater and @zharper.imagery

#isto2022 #isto2022conference
#surftherapy #gofargotogether #mentalhealth #inclusion #physicalwellbeing #safespace #bluemind #surfers #southbay #manhattanbeach

Voiceover @davidbederman 🙏🏾

ISTO 2022 in the books! Over 220 of you from 12 c

We were thrilled to announce our partnership with

We were thrilled to announce our partnership with The Aloha Award Community at the ISTO 2022 Conference!

The Aloha Award recognizes individuals in the global surf community who embody the aloha spirit, spread stoke in the lineup, and give back to their communities.

The winner receives a trip to @namotuisland in Fiji AND a US$10,000 donation to a charity or non-profit/for-purpose entity of their choice! 🤙🏾💙

Nominations are OPEN @thealohaaward.com! 🙌🏾

#thealohaaward #alohaspirit #surftherapy #oceanstewards #protectwhatyoulove #forpurpose #nonprofit #namotuisland #fiji

ISTO’s “Go Far, Go Together” ethos was on fu

ISTO’s “Go Far, Go Together” ethos was on full display during our ‘22 Mental Health Reimagined Conference. We spent 2-days in workshops, breakout groups, and exercises intended to promote pathways to enhance surf therapy practice for all individuals.

Thank you, Juandre, @dredavids for your energy exercises with us all week and @melreen_de_villiers_ for bringing us your good vibes. 🫶🏾

#surftherapy #isto2022 #isto2022conference #workshops #gofargotogether #bettertogether #mentalhealth

📸: @parkerinthewater 💙

We LOVED all this big energy from @wavesforchange

We LOVED all this big energy from @wavesforchange 🙌🏾
Thank you @dredavids @melreen_de_villiers_

DAY 1 of ISTO 2022 in the books ✅

#gofargotogether #surftherapy #isto2022
#wavesforchange #bringingit #collaboration #mentalhealth #ourprescription #bluemind #leadershipworkshop

@surf4dem
@alohaaward @surfandturftherapy @danas707 @sealovehealing @foundationwow @nativelikewater @resurfaceuk @surfivor_nl @surfproject.nl @wavesofgriefandlove @hydrotheory @groundswellcommunityproject @oceanmindinc @bluezonemarin @gnomesurf @mypeak_fdn @warriorsurf @healingwavetherapy @jmmfoundation @theswelmission @waves4women @wavesofrecoveryinc @stokedresearch @kevinsousaband @kenpagliaro @kprimacio @mattilam @instagregors

ISTO 2022 Conference Dina Gilio-Whitaker @dinagi

ISTO 2022 Conference

Dina Gilio-Whitaker
@dinagiliowhitaker - YOU are so remarkable we need to hear more. See you on Sunday! Mahalo~

Surfing has always been central to the Native Hawaiian people and today is a cornerstone for Kanaka Maoli identity. Due to historical colonial processes, it's less known to what degree wave riding was a cultural practice of American Indian people, but what is true is that historically in coastal Southern California the ocean was integral to tribal communities that included the construction of ocean-going craft and the need for wave riding skill. Today those tribal communities are vigorously revitalizing all these practices, including surfing as we know it today.

Groundbreaking research shows that healing from the kind of historical trauma caused by colonization comes from engaging in cultural practices.

#surftherapy #americanindian #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #culturalpractice #surfing #southbay #manhattanbeach

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined

~~~
SOLD OUT!
~~~

Andy Hadden is passionate about exploring how the commercial world can better support, and mutually benefit from, social and health priorities.

@andy_hadden will share how he‘s built this fundamental component into his business model on October 9th @2p 🙌🏾

#surftherapy #wavepools #scotland #wavegarden #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #corporatesocialresponsibility #csr

ISTO 2022 Surf Therapy Conference ~ Tracy has ded

ISTO 2022 Surf Therapy Conference ~

Tracy has dedicated her life to improving water quality in our rivers and ocean and ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable water for all Californians.

Tracy served as the Director of California Urban Water Policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council where she led efforts to pass and implement climate adaption legislation and improve climate resilience and water affordability.

We are so lucky to have you @tracyquinn_h2o 💙

#surftherapy #healthebay #oceanconservation #oceanconservancy #coastalcleanup #lacounty #southbay #elporto #manhattanbeach #hermosabeach #redondobeach #torrance #bluemind #gofargotogether #sameteam #sdg3 #sdg14 #lifebelowwater

ISTO 2022 Surf Therapy Conference Marc Chavez ha

ISTO 2022
Surf Therapy Conference

Marc Chavez has lived a big life and made significant waves wherever he goes.

In 2014, Chavez initiated “Native Like Water” to focus on both youth and adult cultural exchange between ocean and fresh water land environments. Curriculum development, standards, and maritime education are his top interests.

You don’t want to miss this panel on American Indian Communities Healing through Coastal Cultural Revival & Surfing on October 9th at 11am.

#surftherapy #americanindian #losangeles #mexican #nativelikewater #wateriswealth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #bluemind #worldmentalhealthday #worldinclusionday #gofargotogether #sdg3 #sameteam #southbay #manhattanbeach

Wonderful tribute to World Mental Health Day in th

Wonderful tribute to World Mental Health Day in the beautiful and remote West Coast of Barbados, Paynes Bay Beach, St James with the incredible team @supbarbados and @jayceemayers
BRAVO TEAM!

Will we see you out there again this year?

October 10th is World Mental Health Day and World Inclusion Day!

This year’s theme is: “Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”

Join US wherever you are to acknowledge and normalize the need for Mental Heath support!

#surftherapy #ourprescription
#worldhealthorganization #who #worldmentalhealthday #worldinclusionday #wmhd #wid #bluemind #paddleout

Juandré Davids is an ambitious, caring, and devot

Juandré Davids is an ambitious, caring, and devoted individual with a clear vision for a bright future in the place he calls home, South Africa!

We're looking forward to a session led by Juandré sharing his love for his country and culture and surf therapy.

Thank you, @dredavids and @wavesforchange for making sure you’re well represented this year in California 🙌🏾

#surftherapy #mentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday #physicalwellbeing #sameteam #sdg3 #gofargotogether #thisisafrica

ISTO 2022 Mental Health Reimagined Kristen has b

ISTO 2022
Mental Health Reimagined

Kristen has been at the helm of breaking ground research in the surf therapy sector, and we were lucky enough to have her tell us a little bit about that at ISTO's Surf Therapy Conference in 2019.

After a long 3-years, we are pleased to have @kristenhwalter return with her team as a Keynote Speaker on Saturday, October 8th @3p. They will share some outcomes of their RCT (randomized controlled trial) and what's next for their military service members living with major depressive disorder (MDD) or traumatic brain injury.

Thank you for being with us again this year, Kristen.

#surftherapy #navy #usmilitary #research #mentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #physicalwellbeing #ptsd #mdd #navalmedicalcentersandiego #science #rct #bluemind #la2050 #sameteam #sdg3 #gofargotogether

Waves for Change @wavesforchange provides child-fr

Waves for Change @wavesforchange provides child-friendly mental health services to children and young people in under-resourced communities and creates local jobs throughout South Africa.

We’re thrilled Mel is sharing her magic with us in person this year. Thank you @melreen_de_villiers_ 💙

#isto2022 #surftherapy #thisisafrica #capetown #wavesforchange #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #bluemind #isto2022conference #gofargotogether

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined @

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined

@vipedesai continues to inspire us all and lead numerous discussions around healthy oceans from California to the steps of the White House.

Vipe recently became the Executive Director of the Surfing Industry Members Association (SIMA) @surf_industry

A platform that allows him to make even bigger waves for ocean conservation within the surfing industry.

We’re thrilled he’s joining us as a guest speaker on October 9th @shadehotelmb.

Mahalo Vipe for your incredible work! 🙌🏾👏🏾

💙 Link in Bio for Registration 💙

#isto2022 #isto2022conference #sima #sameteam #sdg3 #mentalhealth #ocean #surftherapy #oceanconservation #protectwhatyoulove #bluemind #getbluemind #bluemindhealth

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined K

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined

Kwamé is the founder of Tribe of Zen, Lead Surf Instructor with New York Surf School, Surf Director for LaruBeya Collective, Co-Host for the WeSurf podcast, Business Partner of StationRBNY surf shop, yoga instructor and Director of Information Technology at The Windward School, a school for children with Language Based Learning Disabilities.

You do it ALL @kwamelabassiere and we’re stoked you’re joining us in person to discuss Intersectional Solidarity in Surf!
Mahalo 🌺

#isto2022 #isto2022conference #mentalhealthreimagined #surftherapy #diversityinthelineup #diversity #equity #inclusion #ourprescription #bluemind #lqbtqia #blacklivesmatters #gofargotogether

ISTO 2022 Leadership Workshop Mahalo ~ @kelsey__

ISTO 2022 Leadership Workshop

Mahalo ~ @kelsey___ellis for sharing your Waves of Grief programming with us @wavesofgriefandlove 💙

Kelsey is a proud recipient of the Jefferson Award for creating change in her community through her Waves of Grief programming.

Most recently was sought out to facilitate Waves of Grief for the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and his team.

We can’t wait for this intimate gathering!

#isto2022 #surftherapy #mentalhealth #wavesofgrief #sdg3 #sameteam #la2050 #yourhealthisyourwealth #gofargotogether #southbay #unità #manhattanbeach #simmsrestaurants #tinroof #bluemind

@dryrobe ~ we are stoked for your support at the I

@dryrobe ~ we are stoked for your support at the ISTO Surf Therapy Conference.

Attendees can win their very own (you choose the color and size) #dryrobe

Attendees check out Organizer’s Announcements and leadership board on the @whova_app to WIN!

Link in Bio to Register 💙

Mahalo team @dryrobe

#surftherapy #isto2022 #bluemind #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #staywarm #gofargotogether

One of the most valuable things we do is foster th

One of the most valuable things we do is foster the surf therapy community to connect in meaningful and impactful ways.

This year we're bringing together the first-ever Ph.D. in Surf Therapy, individuals fighting for our one shared ocean/planet, for-profits discussing how they can support non-profits, the first-ever randomized controlled trial (RCT) in surf therapy with military members, the Executive Director from SIMA, Co-Founder of SeaTrees and so much more.

JOIN US!

Register Link in Bio

#surftherapy #bluemind #isto2022 #mentalhealthreimagined #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #sdg3 #sdgs #sameteam #gofargotogether

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined T

ISTO 2022 Conference ~ Mental Health Reimagined

The Aloha Award was established in 2018 💙

Their mission is to recognize and reward exceptional individuals in the global surfing community who, in addition to cultivating and sharing their joy of surfing with others in the water, are making meaningful contributions to the well-being of their communities. The founder, Mark Hartmann, is joining us to share all things @alohaaward and how you can win a $10,000 donation to the charity or non-profit organization of your choice, plus a one-week, all-expenses paid trip to Namotu Island in Fiji.

Don't miss this panel October 9th @shadehotelmb

#isto2022 #alohaaward #bluemind #mentalhealth #physicalwellbeing #sdg3 #sameteam #nonprofit #gofargotogether

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