surfing
There’s something magical and healing about saltwater therapy – ask any surfer or ocean swimmer.
At Invictus Australia, we work with multiple local surf groups, many that were started by veterans, who have experienced first-hand the wellbeing benefits of surfing and power of being on the water.
A really important element of the Hunter Coast Chapter of the Association of Veteran Surfers (AVS), for example, is the community support network that’s been put in place. It’s a group very much built on social connection.
“The Chapter’s all about the camaraderie and looking after each other,” says Phil Overton, President of Hunter AVS. “It’s about the social connections. We’re focused on supporting the mental health and social wellbeing of our veteran members. It’s all about social connection and breaking down barriers.”
Local
partners
Along with AVS, we also align with Waves of Wellness (WOW), a mental health and surf therapy charity, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing through a range of innovative programs.
WOW saves lives through surfing. Using trained mental health professionals as surf coaches, WOW delivers innovative mental health support programs on a whole new level. The WOW team works with Invictus Australia to encourage veterans to learn to surf while also tackling all things mental health.
We also have a strong relationship with Surfing NSW and are currently developing online and face-to-face training courses for surf coaches.
To keep up to date with upcoming events and connect to your area’s Defence community join your local Facebook group.
If you are interested in a sport that isn’t listed on our website, get in touch. With our contacts in the sporting industry, we have avenues to explore to help you find your tribe.
“It’s been a great few weeks, there’s no doubt about that. Getting to know the other participants and experience the whole WOW program has just shown how powerful this is going to be for our veteran community. It really doesn’t matter how experienced you are in the water or how you’re travelling in terms of health, this is for everyone. You literally just have to dive in.”
Ready to surf?
If you are interested in a sport that isn’t listed on our website, get in touch. With our contacts in the sporting industry, we have avenues to explore to help you find your tribe.
