Surf Therapy Sessions for Healing in Maui, Hawaii
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness is recommended as you will paddle, balance, and swim while engaging mentally throughout the session.
Overview
Experience healing on the waves with Maui Surf and Soul’s surf therapy program in Maui. These sessions blend surf skills with trauma-informed support to nurture body and mind.
Surf Therapy • Individual Sessions
All Ages • Three Hours • Private Session
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About This Adventure
Experience the transformative power of the ocean with Maui Surf and Soul's unique surf therapy program. Combining surfing fundamentals with trauma-informed counseling, this three-hour session offers a holistic approach to healing. Participants will learn to ride the waves while addressing mental health challenges in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Find peace on the water
Duration
Three Hours
About
At Maui Surf and Soul we have a holistic approach to surfing. We believe the ocean is a natural healer! It has the power to help people overcome challenges, relieve physical pain, regulate the nervous system, elevate mood, build stamina, and expand perception. Surf therapy can also increase perceived self-efficacy in individuals with physical and emotional obstacles. Our surf lessons aim to teach surfing fundamentals and inspire our students to experience the healing power of the ocean.
In our surf therapy program we work with clinical mental health counselors to offer a trauma informed experience in the ocean and on land. Our counselors work side by side with our surf instructors to offer a supportive space for students. Our instructors teach them how to catch waves while our counselors work on specific mental health issues such as Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Phobias, Depression, Grief, Life transitions, and so forth. The program can be a one-time activity or ideally an ongoing program where growth and healing can be seen and measured.
Individual Sessions
The experience includes a 30 min therapeutic session with the counselor, 30 min land lesson for surfing, 90 min surfing in the ocean, 30 min integration and reflection session with counselor.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Warm Up
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get comfortable and warm your body before hitting the water.
Stay Hydrated Throughout
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session in the sun and salt air.
Communicate Your Needs
Don’t hesitate to share any emotional or physical concerns with your instructor for a tailored experience.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the ocean ecosystem by applying reef-safe, waterproof sunscreen before surfing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles (honu)
- Hawaiian monk seals occasionally resting on beaches
History
Surfing has deep cultural roots in Hawaii, historically seen as a spiritual and communal practice passed down through generations.
Conservation
Maui Surf and Soul actively promotes ocean preservation by encouraging sustainable surf practices and educating participants on reef-safe products.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kahului
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit or Rash Guard
Keeps you warm in cooler spring water and protects skin from irritation.
spring specific
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Protects your skin while preserving the ocean environment during sunny sessions.
summer specific
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key during physical activity in the sun.
Waterproof Bag
Helps keep valuables dry while on the beach or in transition between water and land.