About Us

Our Vision

“For all people to have equal opportunity to access the ocean and surfing in a supportive, caring environment.”

Our mission is to combine the medicine of the ocean and surfing with person-person connection to enable all people equal opportunity to access the ocean in a supportive and caring environment.

Our mission is to create a more inclusive community, supporting people with a disability and their support networks to feel acknowledged, seen and supported. It is our dream for every person to thrive and live a beautiful, happy life.

We know, as ocean lovers, the power of the ocean- instantly being taken to a place of mindfulness and presence. We believe the FLOW from the ocean, is monumental in supporting the people we work with. We see huge shifts and significant changes over time when this is paired with our therapist, and the person interaction.

Research has shown surfing elicits a state of flow, and is seen as an activity that is highly captivating, highly stimulating, to the point where all available attention is placed on the ability to attend to the act itself (Strumpfer, 2003)

Our Values

We view the people we work with as Gifts, who are all unique. We celebrate differences. We view all experiences as opportunities for growth and learning.

• ‘Being’ with the child
• Play based
• Therapeutic use of self
• Person centred- Strength based
• Family orientated and capacity building

AYNI – a term used to describe the equal exchange of giving and receiving;  reciprocity.

At Ability Surf we believe that as therapists our interaction with the people we support is equal.  Whilst we are there to support and assist (Give), we are in equal exchange (Receive) from our clients.

How do we achieve this?

We support people with different abilities to access the ocean utilising intuitive allied health therapists who are also trained as surf instructors. We believe that a person’s goals and aspirations can be addressed and achieved through nature based therapy innovatively tailored to the individual when combined with regular therapy.

We are passionate about breaking down barriers in society and thinking outside of the box!

Our Vision

To continue to grow our team so we can provide therapy services at the beach to more people with different abilities and their families.

To expand our service to different locations across Australia.

To expand our service to include a community nature based property in the Northern Rivers for people with different abilities and others in need who require a safe haven.

What is Surf Therapy?

Surf therapy is defined by the International Surf Therapy Organisation (ISTO) as combining the therapeutic elements of the ocean with the adventure of surfing to impact the physical and mental well- being of individuals world-wide positively. Ability Surf is a member of ISTO.

Occupational Therapy practice approach at Ability Surf

Ability Surf is an innovative surf therapy service which utilises an OT practice model approach, delivered by an Occupational Therapist, to plan and tailor sessions to the individual to meet and achieve their goals. The essence of Ability Surf from an OT approach is for an individual with a disability to increase their independence and participation in an occupation which is meaningful to them (surfing) and to develop skills across all developmental areas using this occupation (surfing) as a vehicle to do so, in an environment which is motivating to them (natural environment- ocean and beach).

There is also an emphasis at Ability Surf of skill development and capacity building, in which parent involvement is required and in which there are opportunities for the person to transition to community groups or social skills surf therapy groups.

Affiliated and Members of: