University of Bristol New PhD to investigate mental health benefits of surfing

After a new report found the sport boosts physical and mental health, a new study by the University of Bristol PhD is all set to study the relationships between surfing and mental well-being.

University of Bristol in partnership with The Wave carried out the UK Surfing and Health Report in which more than 1,300 people responded to the survey. The report was released on 15 June 2024. The survey found a relationship between positive physical health, mental well-being, and frequency of surfing. The study examined how surfing impacts people's emotional, physical and mental wellbeing and how people spend on surfing.

The study also found that surfing is significantly contributing to the UK Economy, with the average surfer spending more than £2,000 per year and more than 90 per cent of surf-related purchases made within the UK.

While this report was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, student Ariane Gerami has secured funding for a 4-year PhD, supported by The Wave. The PhD is to further research the connection between mental health and surfing. Ariane carried out a Master’ thesis in 2022 that found that surfing can support better mental health.

“I’m delighted to have been awarded a University of Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarship to enable my PhD. Being able to further the research I started with my Master’ thesis is a dream come true. I can’t wait to work alongside The Wave to really get to the heart of how and why surfing impacts health and wellbeing," said Ariane Gerami.

Surfing good for UK economy and mental health of people, says study

Dr Joey Murphy, Lecturer in Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol, who carried out the research said: “Surfing is an increasingly popular activity in the UK, with over 160 clubs, surf schools and groups in existence. This report highlights the range of reasons why people in the UK engage in surfing, as well as also highlighting the challenges faced in participation. The data clearly indicates that making surfing accessible to more people has the potential to support both population health and the UK Economy.”

“The power of water and waves to make us feel better is at the heart of why The Wave exists. It is so important to us to support and further academic research into surfing and health – particularly mental health. This report, and crucially the PhD commencing this autumn, will add to the growing body of research in the area of ‘blue health’ - evidence that being in or near water has huge health benefits," said Nick Hounsfield, Founder of The Wave.

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