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Surf Therapy

What is Surf Therapy

“A method of intervention that combines surf instruction/surfing and structured individual and/or group activities to promote psychological, physical, and

psychosocial well-being. Evidence is growing and surf therapy has been found to be beneficial to a variety of populations including veterans, active duty service members, youth and adults with disabilities, and youth in need of social and emotional support.”(Benninger et al., 2020).

Who can participate

The Roxy Davis Foundation delivers Surf Therapy, a unique and evidence-based therapeutic approach that harnesses the healing power of the ocean. This program is available to any individual with a physical, intellectual, cognitive, or sensory disability residing in South Africa.

Each session is carefully designed and facilitated by trained professionals and volunteers, ensuring that every participant receives personalized support based on their unique abilities and needs. 

Programme Benefits

The sessions not only introduce participants to the joy of surfing but also contribute to their mental health, social integration, and overall quality of life.

Surf Therapy provides participants with an opportunity to engage in structured ocean-based activities that promote physical health, emotional well-being, and social connection. By using surfing as a therapeutic tool, the program helps individuals build confidence, improve coordination, and develop resilience in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Register as a Surfer

Register to Surf here

Register as a Volunteer

Register to Volunteer here

Sponsor a Surfer or Clinic

Make a donation

UPCOMING EVENTS

First Aid Course 2025

Surf Therapy – 6 December 2025

Surf Therapy – 8 November 2025

Surf Therapy – 4 October 2025

Surf Therapy – 13 September 2025

Surf Therapy & National Women’s Day – 9 August 2025

Join our Tribe and Become a Change Leader Today

Become a volunteer at the Roxy Davis Foundation. Because of you we are able to change the lives of those who need it the most.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and/or skills to help us continue to run Surf Therapy Programmes. We need Volunteers in the water and on the land as well as skill support such as – skills in graphic design, copywriting, social media, research methodology and more.

Volunteer

 
Donate

Join us on this journey as a volunteer or by making a donation of an amount that is meaningful to you… because of you we are able to change the lives of those who need it the most.

Donate

 
Share

Share the message about our Surf Therapy Programmes and invite others to join as participants or volunteers. Facebook @roxydavisfoundation | Instagram @roxydavisfoundation

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MEET OUR TEAM

Passionately committed to sharing the benefits of Surf Therapy with those that need it the most

Dr Roxy Davis

Founder

Dr. Roxy Davis is a visionary entrepreneur, athlete and advocate for social impact. A nine-time South African surfing champion, she has combined her passion for the ocean with business, research and community empowerment. As the founder of Surf Emporium and Ocean Freedom, Roxy has been instrumental in promoting surfing as a tool for personal growth and development.

Roxy is also the founder of the Roxy Davis Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving mental and physical well-being through ocean-based therapy. Her groundbreaking research in health sciences focuses on the impact of ocean-based therapy for children with disabilities in South Africa, contributing to innovative approaches in rehabilitation and inclusion.

Through her leadership and commitment to creating transformative opportunities, Roxy harnesses the healing power of the ocean to drive wellness, empowerment and inclusivity. Her work exemplifies the intersection of research, business and social good, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

Fiona Sander

Programme Manager

Fiona joined the team in Aug 2019 and is a lover of all things outdoors. She has joined the Roxy Davis Foundation with 20+years of operational experience in the non-profit sector. When not at her laptop she can be found learning to surf and SUP with her family.

Ant Smyth

Adaptive World Champion

Ant is a 2 x Adaptive World Surfing Champion and 2 x US Adaptive Open Champion. Ant is a proud supporter of the Roxy Davis Foundation and provides surfers with coaching and support to get to the next level of competition surfing.

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