OUR STORY
“Welcome to Surf Therapy Ltd - STL - A project established in New Zealand in 2009, and now based in the UK. Our mission is to nourish the soul, by using the art of Surfing to enhance wellbeing. Our 1-1 unique surf therapy sessions were created by founder and Mental Health Practitioner Jimmi Willdigg. STL uses a person-centred approach - combining professional mental health skills and peer support with the activity of Surfing. As a mobile company we have experience of operating throughout the UK and worldwide in New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Morocco, Denmark, Spain, Gambia, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. We believe that surfing is a vehicle which allows people to make use of the natural therapeutic element that surrounds us, and is a part of us all.”
Kia Kaha
Jimmi
OUR APPROACH
STL offers a friendly, encouraging and uniquely person-centred approach to surfing on a one-to-one basis. Combining professional mental health skills, psychoeducation and peer support with the experience of surfing.
STL is founded by a Mental Health Practitioner: a UK NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse and experienced surfer who has felt the positive impact surfing can have on mental and physical health.
Taking part in such an enjoyable and demanding activity, you can become completely engaged and focused. You can reach the ultimate unselfconscious state of being. This is called a ‘flow state’ (Csikszentmihalyi, M. 1975), a positive and unique psychological state that has been linked to emotional wellbeing. Surfing can help people to achieve this psychological state in their life by fully engaging in the activity.
We share, learn from and develop our practice frameworks with other like-minded organisations throughout the world. Surfing is quickly becoming globally recognised for its therapeutic benefits due to a combination of the ocean environment itself and the physical demands required in learning to surf.
Surfing can help improve self-efficacy. Trying something new and achieving goals can increase confidence in ability which in turn motivates us to try other things. We believe the activity of surfing can create transferable skills and offer new perspectives which can enhance our lives in a healthy and holistic way.
At STL we work with individuals to achieve meaningful and realistic goals as we believe everyone should take positives from surfing. We listen and guide so that a sense of pride and self-achievement can be facilitated. Personal achievement engenders self-esteem and can lead to subsequent feelings of emotional wellbeing.
To get a true reflection of the positive effects and benefits of surfing, STL developed a project: 'Through the Exposure' (STL 2016) which uses a simple reflective framework to gather personal narratives in an attempt to provide evidence that at times surfing could be used as a therapeutic tool in mainstream healthcare.
STL 2009
REVIEWS
“When my head feels in chaos and whatever troubles are in my mind, as soon as I get on the board and into the sea, I am free. My mind feels cleansed, troubles wash away and after I feel re-energised and ready for life.
Surfing is a truly enjoyable therapy.
Thanks Jimmi and Surf Therapy”
Mark
“I came across Surf Therapy Limited by chance, (and fate). I was driving in my car and happened to be behind the car with their website on. After taking a look, I got in touch with Jimmi, founder of the company, and we organised a time to get out on the SUP boards.
Before the session I was quite nervous, as I didn’t have much experience surfing, and meeting new people is always a bit scary! But once I met Jimmi, I was completely put at ease. He was so chilled and easy to be around, and even if I struggled (quite a bit) to get the wetsuit on, it totally felt ok to be struggling!
Getting into the water was amazing. And standing up on the board, was even MORE amazing. Even falling into the water was fun. Throughout the lesson and afterwards, I felt like I didn’t have to be good or bad, or anything. As a young person who has recently had some problems with my mental health, it was exactly what I needed. Away from all the clinical ‘stuff’ happening around me, to go into the sea, stand on the board, and go with the waves, provided me with the best feeling I’ve had in a long time. All under brilliant instruction, reassurance and encouragement.
Ever since, all I’ve wanted is to be back in the water, seeing when Jimmi’s ‘wave-dar’ went off to ride a wave…! I can tell surfing is going to be a big part of my recovery, and I can ALSO tell that I have found a love of it already. I’m so happy I drove behind their car that day.”
Scarlett
“Surfing is not only this cool exotic sport, it is so much more. Once you r in the water, it is only about you, the board and the water and nothing else. Suddenly your mind is highly focused but highly relaxed at the same time. Everything else, everyday probles and worries seems not no matter anymore. Surfing brings you to that peaceful state again. I met Jimmi Jimmi in 2010 when traveling New Zealand. In a group of friends we had several surf trips together and it has been an unforgettable time”
Julie
“Hello Everibody. My name is Luca Testa, from Italy. I met Jimmi in my year’ trip in New Zealeand between 2010/11. He teached me how to surf one morning in Waimarama beach, Hawkes bay. Every time I tell stories about Nz, surfing times are the first mentioned.It’s incredible what you can feel with it. The element: WATER. My element. You need to respect it. Strong, Quiet and Fast. When you feel it below, you can understand most of the surfers.Its a bolt! One second of a great great emotion.It’s hard to explain; you have to balance, you keep your mind busy to balance, you concentrate all yourself doing it, strongly pushing on your feet! too much! you upside down! RETRY!Swim, wawe, on your chest, push up, stand up, Yeah!!! And you realize you don’t need to think too much! just natural. Just yourself.I was a football player, for me: hobby, physical activities, relax, interests meant football. Never thought anything else could touch me in this way but when I tried I understood the difference: you are alone, you and your ability, up or down! When you’re up (not many times), wow, nothing compared with it.Sadly we don’t have many waves in Mediterranean sea and my job keep me busy almost all year long so when I want to excape, when everithing seems terrible, I try to remember good music, my van, Liverpool chores, my too small-size weatsuite, and my good Friend Jimmy on his White board telling me “cm’on mate, it’s not that cold!!!”
Luca
"My experience surfing with Jimmi is memorable, from the early beginnings of the wee gromit himself Jimmi is a natural in the water! Waiting for the sets to come in Jimmi manouvers into position to pop up on the crest, racing down the face for a quick back slash as he grins over his shoulder at me, what a legend! Harding Road, Te Awanga and Ocean beach, three of our classic local breaks have all been riden and enjoyed by us both. Jimmi is a pleasure to surf with and a man in tune with his surroundings, if you’re contemplating a session with Jimmi you wont be disapointed!
From the Chronicales of; The Legends of the RA"
Jason
"It’s clear when you meet Jimmi the contagious enthusiasm and commitment he has for surfing and how he wants to share that with everyone he meets so they can feel as good as he does when he’s in his element. I can only see this continuing to grow as Jimmi wouldn’t be Jimmi without the surf!"
Ruth
“I’ve been surfing in Seaford last year at this are a few thoughts of mine about it:
I felt good surfing there, there has been nothing on my mind, but watching and thinking about the next wave to come and have a nice surf with a good mate.I love surfing because it’s fun and one of the few sports where u r much closer to the nature. I reckon this is because u don’t need much to do. The surf and the sound of the waves a calming u down.
It helped me to have good memories and helped me to free my mind from all stuff which is annoying me at work.
Everyone can do it…some can do it better.
I further experienced that surfing is bringing people together, keeps ur body healthy and relaxes ur soul. All in one a good package.
Even if you don’t surf that much.
It’s endless to be at the water or in the water. And even if there are big waves it is some kind of quiet like the friendly people around u.”
Daniel
"This was my first time I have had chance to surf in my life, I’ve knows Jimmi for a good percentage of my life and he knew a lot of the problems i had faced this year and i must say as well as having a rad time and also loving board sports i was stoked for the opportunity to try and surf but more importantly Jimmi’s passion to help people really shouted out and it was the first time this year i had felt normal. The way in which he conducts his sessions makes you feel chilled and helped me open up more and the energy of the ocean and the natural world just makes you feel alive.
Thank you Jimmi and would just like to say I’m really glad STL is not just a concept but a working and productive product."
Eddie
“By combining his expertise of many years of surfing, with the amazing skills he has developed through out completing his BSC degree in mental health nursing, Jimmi meticulously executed his adaptive therapeutic artistic ability that exceeded my every expectation"
Graeme
“…well, can’t quite believe how tingly amazing playing in these waves make you feel…such therapeutic, exciting, bliss and Jimmi Jimmi is awesome awesome teacher, can’t wait for next week :)”
Nina
“My impression of Jimmi is that he is easy going, quick to smile and wants to help people get healthier both physically and mentally. His relaxed and nurturing attitude ensured that I did not struggle to quickly learn and in my first ever session I was able to stand on my second attempt whilst completing the basic manoeuvres, even though I have never been able to stand up whilst surfing (which will hopefully change after a surf lesson with Jimmi). The fact that he enjoyed himself throughout the session meant it was easier to unwind and improved my confidence in my SUP abilities.
The relaxed nature of the instructor was contagious throughout the session and the excellently chosen secluded bay combined to ensure I did not worrying about falling off. My stress reduced almost instantly as I found I had to control my breathing to keep balanced. As I am creating my own business I rarely find myself not thinking about what I should be doing, though when I was stand up paddling I found that all I was thinking about was stand up paddling which was appreciated.
I currently lifeguard Seaford and Brighton beach and feel that the SUP session has improved my balance further, which will improve my capability to rescue casualties using a board.”
Chris
“One day in September I mentioned to Jimmi that I was feeling stressed about starting not only a new job but also a degree in the same week. He suggested I come over to Seaford and spend the afternoon on the beach with him. When I arrived we decided that I should give paddle boarding a go. I was reluctant at first as the weather wasn’t the best, but this meant that the beach was quiet and I was able to spend a couple of hours relaxing and learning at my own pace. Jimmi showed me the basics and allowed me to then have a go for myself while also providing any support I needed. After an afternoon on the water I felt much more relaxed and focused within myself and prepared for the week ahead. It turned out to be not only an enjoyable way to spend my day but it also allowed me to clear my head and feel more prepared for a potentially stressful situation. Thanks“