WELCOME
Mocean Surf Therapy is located on the Southern Gold Coast and offers a holistic and evidence based approach to therapy. Practitioner led sessions are run by a Physiotherapist and Surf Coach, with a client centred and strength based approach. This allows for meaningful engagement in physical activity using the natural environment and surfing as a tool to achieve individual movement goals, bridging the gap to community participation. We are an inclusive Surfing Australia affiliated Surf School where adolescents and adults of different abilities can access the ocean in a safe, fun and supportive way.
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What is Surf Based Physiotherapy?
Surf Based Physiotherapy sessions can support the development of motor skills, balance, coordination, muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, mobility, self esteem and confidence to improve overall physical and mental health. Our 1:1 sessions are goal focused and may involve beach based movement activities, education, flat water and surf based skills. These sessions are designed to compliment exisiting allied health therapy, not replace it, and Sarah will be in contact with your team to ensure your sessions are aligned with your goals. Sessions may be a stepping stone to integrate into local surf schools, ongoing therapy, or to give surfing a try with adequate support.
Common Surf Based Therapy Goals
Improve Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Increase Cardiovascular Endurance
Improve Balance & Coordination
Sensory Processing & Emotional Regulation
Improve Muscle Strength & Postural Control
Build Confidence & Self Esteem through new skill acquisition
Increase community participation
Increase Surf Safety & Ocean Awareness
Engagement in meaningful activity
About me
Hi, I'm Sarah, a Physiotherapist, ocean lover and qualified Surf Coach and I created Mocean Surf Therapy! I am an AHPRA registered practitioner with over 13 years experience in the hospital and community setting including clinic and home based services. From my own surfing experience and working as a surf coach, I see first hand the transformative benefits that surfing can have on physical and mental health. I found there was a need for a service on the Gold Coast to provide 1:1 support for people of all abilities to be able to safely access the ocean. There is emerging research supporting the many benefits of surf therapy and therapy in an outdoor environment, so I created a space where I could use my clinical skills to assist people to build physical capacity and achieve movement goals using surfing as a tool to do so. I would love to see a world where everyone can experience the joy of the ocean, and I endeavour to bridge the gap to community participation and lifelong positive behaviour change through surf based therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are sessions held?
Surfed based Physiotherapy sessions are held on the Southern Gold Coast, from Currumbin to Kirra Beach, depending on conditions. Sessions are 1:1 for 1 hour duration from Tuesday to Friday, all year round. Frequency of sessions will be individually discussed. Surf therapy equipment is provided, it is recommended to bring your own hat, towel, water, comfortable swimwear and apply sunscreen 20mins prior to the session.
How do we minimise risks?
Mocean Surf Therapy has a thorough risk management plan and participant screening form to determine suitability and safety for the sessions. Conditions will be assessed prior to each session, due to the changing nature of the weather and ocean, sessions may need to be moved or rescheduled where necessary.
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​Sarah also holds an up to date First Aid, CPR, Police check, Blue card, OSSCA, Mental Health First Aid and Autism Informed Surf Coach qualifications.
Who can access the sessions?
Adolescents and adults can access sessions through NDIS capacity building funds. Mocean Surf Therapy is an unregistered NDIS provider and suitable for plan managed or self managed participants. Safety is of highest priority and an initial aquatic screening form will need to be completed to ensure there are no risks to ocean based therapy. Participants must be able to swim 50m of any stroke. Private payment is also available.
How do I get involved ?
1. Send an email to express your interest or complete our online contact form
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2. You will be sent our privacy and consent forms, surf therapy waiver, and information gathering to review and complete
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3. Once received, Sarah will be in touch with a phone call to review the forms and book the first session