RSL Queensland logo
  • Services
  • Commemorations
  • Get involved
  • About us
  • Waves of Wellness 

    The Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (WOWSE) offers mental health therapy with a difference. Learn how to surf, boost your physical fitness and build your mental health literacy and resilience.

    Details

    Price:
    Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland

    Eligibility:
    Current or ex-serving Defence members


    Details

    Price:
    Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland

    Eligibility:
    Current or ex-serving Defence members


    Surfing as therapy 

    The Waves of Wellness (WOW) learn-to-surf program uses surfing as a conduit to explore, stimulate and facilitate positive physical and mental health outcomes. 

    Each week, the program addresses different mental health and wellness topics through group discussion supported by clinical expertise, allowing participants to learn new skills and strategies with like-minded individuals. The session concludes with a learn-to-surf lesson, which teaches surfing skills and allows participants to build resilience and develop coping strategies to support better mental health.  

    This is a learn-to-surf program; no prior surfing experience is necessary, and all levels of experience are welcome.  

    Waves of wellness logo

    Background Image

    Getting out there, hitting the waves - even if I stack it, which I do plenty of times - I always walk away happy. The whole group walks away with a smile. It's been really enjoyable, and I want to keep doing it. 

    - Nick,

    Royal Australian Air Force veteran

    Register for an upcoming event

    If no programs are currently available, you can register your interest for future events through the Waves of Wellness website.

    Event Image
    Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (early morning)
    gold coast

    A free 8 week Learn to Surf and Wellbeing Program for Veterans. Find out more

    Event Image
    Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (mid morning)
    gold coast

    A free 8 week Learn to Surf and Wellbeing Program for Veterans. Find out more

    Other Peer-Led Programs that might interest you

    Services

    Dance for Veterans

    Improve your psychological, physical and social health through eight weeks of dance instruction from Queensland Ballet.

    Map Image

    Services

    Dig In Health Co

    Over four days in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, learn practical gardening and nutrition skills to improve your wellbeing. 

    Map Image

    Services

    Diggers Rest

    Relax, reset and reconnect at this veteran-run retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.  

    Map Image

    Services

    Happy Paws Happy Hearts

    Build your or your family’s social connection, communication skills and self-confidence by helping to train rescue animals. 

    Map Image

    Services

    Operation PTSD Support

    Are you the partner or carer of a veteran who’s struggling with their health and wellbeing? Find support and respite among others like you.

    Map Image

    Services

    PTSD Resurrected

    Discover practical, long-term solutions for dealing with trauma, moral injury and PTSD.

    Map Image

    Services

    Raemus Rover Off-Road Racing

    Get your adrenaline fix with off-road racing! Join the Raemus Rover team and feel the thrill of driving, navigating or working on the vehicles.

    Map Image

    Services

    Timor Awakening

    Find renewal, and rehabilitation from trauma, through an immersive experience in Timor-Leste or on the Gold Coast.

    Map Image