Over the weekend, the first-ever paddle out in the UAE marked World Mental Health Day. More than 70 people joined and together ‘paddled out’ from Sunset Beach to form a huge circle in the water to show solidarity for this very important cause.
The goal was to lead and show the community how the mind and ocean conversation are symbiotic – and how being in the ocean has proven therapeutic value.
The initiative by Shore Thing Surf Therapy was founded last year by change-maker, Paula Jacobson, who is looking to showcase how sea therapy works in the hope that doctors will invest in the power of the ocean and prescribe this as therapy. Paula is the GCC’s first and sole contributor to this global effort by the International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO).
Benefits of water-based activities to mental health
Surfing, paddle boarding, and other water-based activities can help in the following areas:
- Increase emotional regulation
- Social connection
- Reduce stress
- Natural release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins
Supported by Psychiatrist Dr. Yaseen Aslam from Psychiatry & Therapy Centre in Dubai, who is an advocate for the benefits of the ocean with mental health, Shore Thing Surf Therapy, has been partners with The Surf House since it was founded – and they helped organize the event, providing a team of coaches, SUP boards, route planning, and location.
This is very much the beginning of its efforts – and Paula confirmed that she will look to hold a full program towards the end of this year.
“The turn-out yesterday is a testament to the hard work myself and my partners have put in to showcase the importance of the ocean when it comes to the mind. Most people have been affected by mental health in some way and sea therapy is proven to work.
Paula Jacobson
“I hope that the DHA and insurance companies will show serious investment in mind and ocean conservation – and consider these sessions as vital to healthcare, providing greater access to the citizens of the UAE by including them in our health policies,” she added.
Dan Van Dooren, Co-Founder of the Surf House, said: “One of our main goals at Surf House is to get ‘more people in the water’. Being connected to nature and more specifically the ocean, is so beneficial for your mental health. For me personally, it washes away any stress or worries that I may have been holding on to which helps give me a clear mind and a positive start to each day.”
The event garnered the support of Luke Cunningham from Blueguard who provided water safety on the day and their photographer, Max Physick, who captured images atop a motorized foil with his waterproof camera.
