Surf Therapy Sessions
River
Surf Therapy Programs
This is a small group therapeutic program for all self-identifying womxn wanting to dive deeper into the unique flow of river waves. These workshops use the Groundswell Community’s surf therapy curriculum to support women in developing a basic understanding of rivers, self-rescue, and balance while incorporating positive change psychology and expressive arts therapy. Along with learning how to surf, participants will engage in somatic feminine embodied learning through mindfulness, yoga, mental health awareness, and self-love tools. The surf sessions foster a sense of collective empathy and confidence through community healing, offering each participant solidarity, strength, and a renewed sense of self amidst the rhythm of the waves. **Workshops and clinics include all the necessary river surf equipment, except that participants will need to provide their own neoprene booties or river shoes.
Tomichi Wave (1st wave-beginner friendly) July 2 & 3 5:15-7:15 PM
Gunnison River Festival-Women’s Clinic June 21 - 9:30-11:30 AM
Sapunka Wave (2nd wave-for those who have river surfed before and/or are very comfortable swimming rivers) June 27 & 28-10:00 AM-12:00 PM
**Exact dates may always vary for water flow!
Gunnison Whitewater Park
Salida River Surf Retreat
Reconnect. Ride. Restore.
Join us for a rejuvenating day on the Arkansas river designed just for women and moms. This Salida retreat offers the perfect blend of river surfing guidance and support, a therapeutic workshop, and a mindfulness session, all while providing an opportunity to nourish both body and soul. Whether you’re a first-time surfer or have experience on the waves, you’ll be held in a safe, encouraging space with personalized surf instruction and heartfelt community. We’ll ground ourselves in mindfulness, explore gentle self-inquiry in a therapeutic circle, and enjoy a nourishing lunch prepared with care.
What’s Included:
✔ Caravan or carpool to Salida
✔ River surf coaching + gear or gear guidance
✔ Mindfulness & therapeutic workshop
✔ Nourishing group lunch
✔ Lifelong connections with other wave-riding moms/women
July 13, 8:00 AM-2 PM- Just for Moms!
July 21, 8:00 AM-2PM
Scout Wave, Salida
River Surfing Intro Clinics
Introduction River surfing clinics are built for women and girls who want to develop a basic understanding of reading rivers, entering and exiting the wave, self-rescuing, surfing POP-UPS, and balancing. We offer private and community clinics for up to 6 participants, who are strong swimmers and ages 10+. Clinics include a wetsuit, board rental, pfd, and helmets, but you will need your own river-appropriate shoes that fit comfortably. The Swell is up and warm usually May through August! Please call PJ for availability!
Gunnison, Colorado
Women’s Surf Therapy Circles
Surf Therapy is a form of experiential therapy that combines the healing power of the ocean with mental health practices. By using the physical and psychological benefits of surfing, surf therapy helps individuals work through emotional challenges, build resilience, and find a sense of peace. Surfing itself requires focus, presence, and adaptability - skills that translate directly into coping strategies for some of life’s more difficult moments. As participants learn to ride the waves, they also learn to manage anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns. The rhythmic motion of the ocean, combined with the mindfulness of surfing, creates a meditative state that promotes relaxation, self-awareness, and a deep sense of connection to nature.
Playa Guiones, Costa Rica
6-week Surf Therapy Sessions
February-March 2026
Fridays 8:00-10:00 AM
Bakers Beach Entrance
We are all the leaves of one tree. We are all the waves of one sea.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
