From Anger to Joy: How Surf Therapy Helped Aurora Find Calm, Confidence, and Connection
“I no longer have an angry child. I have a very cheeky child — but there’s a difference. And it’s so much better.”
When nine-year-old Aurora’s mum reached out to Ocean Mind, home life felt tense. Aurora lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Over time, her frustration had been building and spilling over into anger — at home, at school, at everything and everyone around her. “It wasn’t just the house she was taking it out on,” her mum recalls. “It was everyone and everything she could. I thought, something’s going to give. I need to find somewhere to help her.”
Finding that help wasn’t simple. “She doesn’t like sitting still. She doesn’t like opening up in a clinical setting. If I was to take her into counselling, it wouldn’t work.” But Aurora did love the beach. Her family spent time there often, and her mum knew the combination of movement, ocean, and someone she could talk to — without pressure — might just be the right fit. That’s when she discovered Ocean Mind’s surf therapy program.
From the very first day, there was a shift. “The first morning, Aurora was up at 6:30am saying, ‘Let’s go surfing!’ I was like… what?!” Over the next six weeks, Aurora’s transformation unfolded. She went from closed-off and serious to playful, engaged, and confident. “I got my cheeky child back. The minute they’re on that board, it’s like a reset. For as long as they’re in that water, nothing else matters.”
The changes went far beyond the beach. At home, the tension eased. Communication opened up. “We’re not so angry anymore. No one feels like they’re walking on eggshells. It feels really good to know that we’ve helped her in a way that’s made such a difference — not just at home, but at school too.”
Before Ocean Mind, Aurora didn’t have the confidence to speak up, try new things on her own, or believe in herself. Now, she’s even putting herself forward for leadership roles at school, including student vice-captain. “That’s a big thing for a kid who probably wouldn’t have done it beforehand.”
Aurora explains it in her own words: “When I’m in the water, I feel calm and relaxed, like nothing else matters. Everything just washes away.” Surfing became more than an activity — it gave her something to look forward to each week, a way to release frustration in a healthy way, and a space where she could just be herself.
Stories like Aurora’s are made possible by the generosity of our community and partners. Together, we can make sure more young people have access to this life-changing support — a place where they can find their calm, build confidence, and feel connected both in and out of the water.
If you’re a parent looking for a safe, supportive program for your child, or a business wanting to make a lasting impact on youth mental health, we’d love to hear from you.
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