Come and Join Us.

Each Friday since mid February Surf Action have introduced Surf and Beach Clinics which have been successful in bringing veterans and those over 50 to the beach. Using the open environment to clear their minds and change their perspective of what their future can hold in terms of feeling positive, confident and building self-esteem the clinics are attracting more participants each week. The clinic this week took our veterans from Sunset Surf Cafe at Gwithian Towans over to Godrevy to see the seals resting during their winter lay up. Nigel from the Wildlife Trust has joined the group to provide real added value to the walks, providing some great geological interpretation and educational team building but also he has met fellow surfers who enjoy the great outdoors.

Last week we also invited Catherine Powell from the London Meditation Project who works specifically with sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Meditation can help to deal with ongoing conditions of anger, anxiety, panic attacks, sleeplessness and nightmares and these can be symptoms suffered by combat veterans.

The session was used to introduce a few of our vets and 50+ to a method of relaxation that uses breathing techniques and self awareness. This ‘mindfullness’ teaches us to be aware of our body’s emotions and can lead to an awareness that can also help with negative emotions such as guilt, deep sadness and fear. We don’t believe surfing, walking or meditation are a ‘quick fix’ but given time can all help make us make better decisions about self care in life, offer a sense of belonging in society and in cases peace of mind.

Sea of Joy.

This says it all.

Come for a walk

Our second surf and beach clinic at Gwithian beach happened today. Its great to see new faces each week and it boosts our confidence even more when great people like Trevor and Daphne come back each week. By building friendships and a positive environment, everyone will be amongst friends when the water warms up and we get in the surf.

Thanks to everyone for their support. We would also like to announce we will be supported by C-Skins wetsuits this year which is great news. This means all who come will be toasty and warm in brand new suits. Happy days.

Surf and Beach Clinic

Last Friday saw the first Surf and Beach clinic held by Surf Action at Gwithian Towans. By using the beach environment Surf action are promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and welfare of local combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their project, partly funded by Cornwall Works also extend their activities to Cornish residents over the age of 50 who may be out of work or suffering from mental health problems and looking for a way back to work by feeling more confident. As was the case last Friday the weather and waves were not great for surfing, so Surf Action Directors Rich Emerson and Russ Pierre took six veterans for a good walk along the beach.

Rich Emerson stated “It was an excellent way to blow away the cobwebs, talk to friends, feel positive about the future and change their perspective of how the beach can be used. “

The beach clinic programme is aimed at offering veterans, their families and 50+ the opportunity to come to the beach and find out what an exhilarating, positive and social experience the beach environment can be.

Russ Pierre said “When the waves are good we’ll always go surfing, if not, we shall be walking, exploring the beach environment and taking part in gentle activities such as problem solving, foraging, beach cleaning, ideal activities for making new friends”.

Surf Action believes their project boosts moral, confidence; self esteem and can be positive and complimentary therapy to ongoing rehabilitation. From their work with the veterans and amputees returning from Afghanistan the act of simply taking them surfing has brought a smile to many a face and shown them that anything is possible. By using surfing and the surrounding environment to create a social network for the veterans and importantly their families, Surf Action are creating a community that is more than just riding waves with friends, but a bond, and a means to help others.

These clinics will be held each Friday at Gwithian Towans, meeting at 12pm at Sunset Surf Café. Those interested in finding out more can contact Russ or Rich on 01736 811920 or email russ@surfaction.co.uk.

Peoples Millions

We did it. Thanks again to everyone who voted and all those who gave us all their time and amazing support over the past few weeks. Its been emotional!!

WE WON THE £50k, Thankyou

We won.. Thanks to everyone who voted for us yesterday. Surf Action were tonight presented with a check for £50k. It was amazing to have so much support from all our friends and families. Myself and Rich Emerson want to say a massive thankyou to everyone who has given their time and huge efforts to make this possible. This money will make all the difference to achieving great things, we can now help more combat veterans suffering from PTSD and physical injuries, we can now put more smiles on more faces. Thanks again

Peoples Millions Finalists Please Vote

Surf Action have been short listed for ITV's Peoples Millions Big Lottery Fund and winners will be decided by a phone vote on Thursday 25th November, lines will be open between 9am and Midnight. We will publish the phone number here on the 25th when we receive it.
You can also check any updates on our website www.surfaction.co.uk
This website is no longer stagnant after months of being just a home page,please check in to see our new film, gallery, what we do and media links.
We would just like ot take this opportunity to thank all our friends and family for their support so far. A year down the line and Surf Action sis moving forward. Combat Surfers is soon to be a register charity so lot sof fundraising events will be planned for the coming year.
Most of thankyou to the veterans and their families for believing in us and letting us take them surfing.
Please vote for us on the 25th November, it will make all the difference to so many people.