Surf Therapy

What is Surf Therapy?

Surf therapy combines the therapeutic elements of the ocean with the adventure of surfing to impact the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide positively.

Programming

Happy Camp (10-15 Athletes)

For groups of 10+ athletes. A unique intimate, individualized, and personalized camp setting with no more than 15 Athletes per session. We believe that the power of friendship only adds to the magic of surf therapy. We purposely keep our camps limited so that we establish a true friendship and bond with our athletes. During our Happy Camp kids rotate through and engage in art, yoga, sand castle building, and various beach various games in which family members are encouraged to partake in the fun alongside their athlete.

We highly encourage you to bring your entire family down to the beach and heal with us. We provide art, yoga, music, and more! It truly is an entire rejuvenating day at the beach for the whole family. We accommodate ALL KIDS of ALL ABILITIES at our Happy Camp. Contact us for more information about booking a camp for your organization or group.

Individual Surf Therapy

For kids ages 4+ through adulthood. A whimiscal unique approach to surfing.,One on One Lesson for 45min to 1 hour. We focus on aspects of self confidence and positivity. We work on a variety of things from core strength and coordination to self awareness and decision making in a very FUN way. Our goal is to have our athlete believe whole heartedly that they are capable of achieving their every dream and leave our lesson feeling on top of the world. Something magical happens through these intimate, personalized, and individualized sessions and there is proven data that indicates Surf Therapy is an extremely effectively activity added to our athletes current therapeutic regimen.

Group Lessons

For groups of 2-5 athletes. A 1 hour group surf lesson that is guaranteed to give you surfer’s stoke. If you are looking for a fun and therapeutic way to get together with friends, family, and/or colleagues this is the right activity to promote good vibes, positivity, team building and rejuvenation. This is a great option for small groups or organizations, corporate team building, and families.

S.A.L.T. Surfing As Life Therapy

A unique approach to improving Mental Health. A one on one hour long experience that incorporates eco therapy, meditation, and surf therapy. This program is for adults struggling with maintaining a healthy mental space and or struggling with addiction. Through our S.A.L.T. program we focus on self love through self confidence and eco therapy. We practice meditation techniques and coping mechanisms to create awareness within ourselves. We use surfing and the ocean to help heal open wounds and encourage a free space where you are welcome to talk to your instructor about anything that is bothering you, we are not psychotherapists but we ARE your friends and here to listen and offer encouragement. Come get your stoke back with us at S.A.L.T.

Surf Fit

A fun unique, land fitness program aiming to prepare our athletes for not only surfing but life. We use a positive approach to teaching core strength, balance, fine and gross motor skills, as well as social skills in a Very Fun Way. We promote positivity, self confidence, and the belief that our athletes can accomplish anything they set their minds to. This program has proven to be extremely beneficial because of it’s physical and mental health benefits. It is popular among our athletes and they are excited to return week after week.

Card to Culture

EBT Card to Culture is a collaboration between Mass Cultural Council and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Department of Transitional Assistance. This program offers reduced or free admission into more than 300 cultural organizations across the Commonwealth.

At Gnome Surf, this offer can be applied by:

  • 1. Checking out Gnome's Calendar/schedule
  • 2. Register for a session, at a time that works for you, by contacting us and mention that you are an EBT or WIC cardholder. When received, you will be asked to contact us to provide the first 6 digits of your card number. Your return email will also have information about additional affordable opportunities at Gnome Surf!
  • 3. You will receive a tuition discount of 50% off of the session that you are registering for. (limit 1 per Athlete)
  • 4. Gnome Surf cannot process EBT transactions--cash, check, or credit card must be provided for the tuition balance due
  • 5. Join us for your scheduled session at Gnome Surf--where shallow ends, and deep begins!

    • Who can benefit from Surf Therapy?

    At Gnome Surf we are “raising the bar” for surf therapy and establish through evidence-base research that Surfing alleviates symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression and has profound benefits for humans (children, youth, teenagers, adults) dealing with mental or physical challenges:

    • Autism
    • Learning Disabilities
    • Down Syndrome
    • Blindness
    • Amputees
    • Paraplegic, quadriplegic
    • At-risk youth from foster care
    • Inner-city youth and young adults
    • Veterans, Active-Duty military
    • Adults rehabilitating from prison
    • Homeless
    • Recovering addicts

    & all those in need by using the ocean,
    surfing and the outdoors to make positive and lasting life changes.

    We are Members of the International Surf Therapy Organization.

    ISTO has set a high standard of excellence in Surf Therapy by sharing information and research tools with ISTO Contributors all over the globe, to expand and advance evidence-based practice.

    Testimonials

    Christine Aguiar

    "Wow where to begin.... I have 2 daughters on the spectrum. Surfing with Christopher Antao has been therapeutic to say the least. Gnome is a feeling not a word. Perseverance, acceptance, love, pride, patience, inclusivity, strength, passion, resolve, determination, purpose, warmth, endurance and I could go on and on! When Chris is with his Gnomies there is no disability only ability! What greater gift could one give to a child than to help them succeed and feel accomplished! I know my girls leave the beach feeling confident and fulfilled! One of my girls is verbal and one is not. In the water it doesn’t matter, no words are needed. “It’s a feeling”. 🤙🏼🤙🏼"

    Judite DaRosa Carey

    "As a parent and a Sophie’s Promise volunteer, I have witnessed how calming surf therapy has been to various kids. It’s helps kids build confidence and provides a relaxed loving environment. ❤️"

    Crystal Medeiros

    "My son Jayden is 12 years old and is completely non-verbal. Jayden was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder shortly after his 2nd birthday. Anyone who knows him, knows how much he loves being in the water.

    I remember the rush of different emotions I had during Jayden’s very first surf lesson with Gnome Surf. Jayden nor I knew Chris at all. I worried that Jayden would have a difficult time because Chris was not familiar to him. I worried if Jayden would be safe. I hoped that he would have a great time. I was grateful to find Gnome Surf to be able to add surf to his long list of therapies.

    Chris was kind, patient and understanding. Jayden was brave and resilient. They connected and bonded their very first time together, just the two of them, out in the open water. I watched, took pictures & videos and cried. I cried because I was so excited for Jayden to have this opportunity. One that he loved. It was hard work but he never gave up. If he fell, he got back on that board. I cried because there were so many things I was told my son would not be able to do and there he was, learning to surf and loving every second of it.

    The first wave Jayden rode to the shore was absolutely incredible. We celebrated. People on the beach that we did not even know cheered and applaud. Jayden and Chris hugged and high fived. Chris was as proud of Jayden as I was.

    Jayden seems free when he’s out there. I watch he and Chris, both, smile from ear to ear, consistently, during their time together. Jayden is always excited and eager to get in the water and on the board.

    Jayden and Chris learn from each other, each time they are together. Being the mother to a child with special needs, you always worry about people being kind and patient with your child. It’s extremely difficult to trust people with your child, especially when they are non-verbal and are not able to tell you what’s going on. I never have to worry about that with Chris. He truly has gone above and beyond to learn about Jayden and to understand him. He celebrates every win with Jayden, not just out in the water. I couldn’t be more grateful to Gnome Surf for all that they do and continue to do for Jayden.

    We found Gnome Surf and connected with Christopher Antao in 2017. Jayden will be going in to his 3rd Surf season with Chris, this coming summer. I couldn’t be more grateful to have Chris and Gnome Surf as part of Jayden’s team and as such an important part of his life."

    Rithy Tep

    "Being a volunteer and instructor...

    I still learn things everyday, and the kids well they become the teachers, they will amaze you trust me... spend some time and you'll see, they keep hope alive, faith will come natural and smiling, well... you'll never forget how to smile when you are helping them grow.

    The kids, ahh!!! They are such sweet souls, they remind me anything is possible and that we are all deserving of a chance, a shot at happiness, love. I never thought this would be my path, it just happened, now I just keep accepting it! I LOVE what I do

    Being kind really is the way, be kind to others and to your self and let love flow, the key to happiness is in your hands.

    Rachel Watts

    "He taught him so many things from kindness, determination, self esteem, bravery, friendship and of course love 💙 just to name some. It’s funny every time Julian seess Gnome he wants to buy it."