"To restore their sense of security": how surfing becomes a rehabilitation tool for soldiers

For thousands of Israelis affected by the events of October 7 and the "Iron Swords" war - soldiers, security personnel, survivors of the massacre, evacuees, and victims of hostile acts - returning home does not always signify the end of the battle, and sometimes marks its beginning. Even after the fighting ends, many continue to cope with persistent alertness, sleep difficulties, anxiety, a sense of detachment, and difficulty reintegrating into daily life.

Out of the understanding that the struggle does not end when taking off the uniform, the "Surfers Without Borders" organization works to provide its participants with a long-term rehabilitation framework. The program combines surfing, physical activity, personal guidance, and a social support system, with the goal of helping soldiers and trauma survivors gradually return to daily life, restore their sense of capability, belonging, and self-confidence, and slowly allow combat-shocked individuals to rebuild an active and full routine.

Activities take place throughout the year and include two to three weekly meetings, during which surfing lessons, discussion sessions, and activities to strengthen mental resilience are held. Each participant is personally accompanied by a volunteer surfing instructor, as part of a model based on continuity of care, personal acquaintance, and ongoing support even beyond activity hours.

According to Itay Axelrod, one of the organization's founders, the uniqueness of "Surfers Without Borders" lies in the way the rehabilitation process is structured:

"One of the things that distinguishes our organization is that we have no bureaucracy and no hourglass. We don't want people to deal with forms or wait months until they can receive help. Whoever needs us can arrive, and the emphasis is on creating a quick, humane, and accessible response."

The research behind the approach

In recent years, studies have been published that examined surfing programs among military veterans and those coping with post-traumatic stress. The findings indicated a decrease in post-traumatic symptoms such as anxiety, depression, alertness, and hyperarousal, alongside an improvement in self-image and resilience, functional ability, and a sense of capability. Researchers explain that the effect stems from the combination of physical activity, being in a natural environment, and a group framework, which together create conditions that help strengthen mental resilience and encourage a return to daily routine.

Another insight that emerged from the studies concerns the importance of early intervention. According to the researchers, creating a regular framework as close as possible to exposure to trauma, which includes meaningful activity, social connections, and encouragement for active participation, may reduce avoidance patterns - one of the central risk factors for the development of chronic post-traumatic stress. The sooner the return to action, meeting people, and positive experiences occurs, the greater the chance to strengthen mental resilience and prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Researchers also note that surfing itself has unique characteristics. Surfing on a wave requires full attention to the present moment here and now (and not to traumatic past events), real-time decision-making, and coping with a changing challenge. At the same time, physical activity encourages the secretion of substances in the brain associated with mood improvement and stress reduction, while staying in the sea in nature contributes to a sense of calm and a reduction in mental load. Combining these components makes surfing an activity with unique rehabilitation potential.

According to Axelrod, these are not just research findings but a reality seen on the ground:

"We meet people who come to us after a long period of withdrawal and loss of social circle, lack of confidence, or difficulty returning to routine and regular functioning. Over time, we see them start to initiate, dare, reconnect with the environment, and believe in themselves, up to going out with friends for surfing and traveling on surfing trips around the world. From our perspective, surfing is not the destination but the tool. The real goal is to restore people's sense of security, belonging, and hope."

He concludes:

"We don't just teach people to surf. We want to create for them a place they will want to return to - a place that provides support, continuity, and a sense of home even long after the meeting ends. From our perspective, rehabilitation is a process built over time, and we are committed to accompanying the participants at every step of the way."

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