An estimated 70% of South Africans aged 15 to 24 struggle with mental health challenges, with the highest prevalence reported in the Western Cape and Cape Town. Many young people in South Africa face racism, violence and poverty, underscoring the need for effective, sustainable mental health initiatives in the region. Yet only one in 10 people has access to mental health treatment. Waves for Change is a local nonprofit working to address this crisis through a unique approach: surf therapy.

About Waves for Change

Waves for Change was founded in 2009 and officially became a registered nonprofit in 2011. Before then, the organization began as voluntary weekend surfing sessions at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town, led by its two founders, Apish Tshetsha and Tim Conibear. From there, the nonprofit quickly expanded with support from universities, mental health practitioners and a dedicated team of relatable surf coaches. 

Operating across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape of South Africa, the organization combines the adrenaline of surfing with its Take 5 model:

• Energizers: Short, engaging physical activities designed to boost energy and sharpen focus.
• Emotional check-ins: Structured, safe spaces that help participants identify and express their emotions.
• Paced breathing exercises: Simple breathing techniques that help calm the nervous system.
• Self-regulation games: Play-based activities that teach emotional control and encourage future planning.
• Emotional check-outs: Reflective activities that reinforce the lessons above and help ensure emotional safety before completing the Take 5 model.

The Surf Therapy Program

The fight to improve mental health support in high-stress environments has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Waves for Change has delivered free surf therapy programs to 2,800 adolescents living in high-stress environments and has trained 215 coaches who have gone on to support more than 10,000 young people. The organization also shares its evidence-based protocols globally through its website, allowing surf schools around the world to adopt this sustainable, community-driven approach.

In essence, the surf therapy program teaches participants essential self-regulation skills while supporting healthier emotional and behavioral responses to the daily stress many South African youth face. Documented short-term benefits include a stronger sense of belonging among peers and opportunities to develop new social skills. They also include an engaging approach to stress management and emotional well-being while encouraging more positive future goal-setting.

Long-term benefits include reduced risky behavior, greater confidence and emotional control and lower stress levels. They may also include improved physiological responses and a reduced risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Final Remarks

With 90% of the world’s adolescents living in low- and middle-income countries, exposure to toxic stress and unpredictable environments poses a significant risk to youth mental health. South Africa continues to face high rates of violent crime, social inequality and widespread poverty. However, in response, Waves for Change is helping support some of the country’s most vulnerable communities in the Cape through a unique approach: surf therapy.

– Alyssa Forget

Alyssa is based in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash