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A World of Possibilities: Why Surf Therapy Needs to Be Part of the Conversation on Disability in South Africa

In South Africa, children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to participation, inclusion, and well-being. While physical activity is known to benefit all children, for those living with disabilities, access to recreational or therapeutic sport opportunities remains limited. This article introduces the context and motivation behind a research study that explored the impact of surf therapy — a relatively new form of intervention — for children with disabilities in the Western Cape.

The Gap in the Literature…

Surf therapy is growing in popularity internationally, with evidence pointing to positive outcomes in mental health, physical strength, and emotional regulation. However, despite its global momentum, there is still limited academic research on surf therapy, particularly in developing contexts. In South Africa, there was a notable absence of research examining how children with disabilities experience and benefit from this form of therapy.

This lack of representation in research is significant. While some international studies have explored surf therapy for specific groups — such as veterans or children with autism spectrum disorder — there is a need for more inclusive, holistic research that considers multiple types of disability and the realities of children growing up in settings with limited resources, infrastructure, or access to the ocean.

Why South Africa?…

South Africa has a high prevalence of disability. An estimated 2.9 million people are living with a disability, with children in rural and low-income areas being especially at risk. According to the 2002 census, approximately 436,123 children — 2.5% of the total child population — were reported to have some form of serious disability. This figure rose to 474,000 by 2011, with many more experiencing mild to moderate impairments.

Yet despite these numbers, access to rehabilitative programmes, inclusive sport, or psychosocial support remains uneven, and too often, non-existent.

What Is Surf Therapy?…

Surf therapy is defined as a method of intervention that combines surfing instruction with structured individual or group activities aimed at improving psychological, physical, and social well-being. Though still emerging as a formalised therapeutic model, surf therapy is increasingly recognised as an effective tool for promoting resilience, confidence, and self-expression in participants.

It offers more than just physical movement — it provides a space where children can discover freedom, agency, and joy in an environment that typically excludes them.

The Research Aim…

The intention behind the study was clear: to explore how children with disabilities experience participation in a surf therapy programme. The research did not stop with the children — it included their parents or guardians, professionals involved in their care, and the individuals delivering the programme.

The study sought to:…

– Understand the effects on children during and after participating in surf therapy.

– Capture the changes observed by parents, guardians, and professionals.

– Document the experiences of those delivering the programme.

– Describe how a surf therapy programme could be adapted for children with disabilities in South Africa.

The Why??…

Research like this helps build the case for inclusive sport and outdoor therapy initiatives in local contexts. It provides evidence for policymakers, educators, and health professionals that children with disabilities not only benefit from access to the ocean and adventure sports — they thrive in them.

It also challenges traditional ideas of what therapy looks like. Instead of a clinic or classroom, therapy in this context takes place in the waves. Instead of being seen as passive recipients of care, children take on active roles — learners, athletes, surfers.

Surf therapy invites us to imagine a world where participation is possible for every child, no matter their ability, income level, or postcode.

For a more detailed read, you can find the link here, https://open.uct.ac.za/…/eca315fc-7193-41d6-9ba4… or follow us as we share more about the findings of the research.

Thanks for reading,

Dr Roxy Davis

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