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 and ex-serving Defence members


      Details

      Price:
      Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland

      Eligibility:
      Current and 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
      Thursday, 24 July 2025 - 11 September 2025 | 7am-9am
      Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience
      caloundra

      This Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (WOWSE) is a free eight-week evidence based learn-to-surf program for veterans. It facilitates functional recovery, while promoting social inclusion, engagement, and enhanced quality of life. The primary focus of the program is to introduce surfing to participants as a way to improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing in a neutral, non-intrusive environment. The program uses the ocean and surfing as a conduit to explore, stimulate and facilitate positive therapy outcomes.

      This a learn to surf group, no prior surf experience is necessary, although anyone with surfing experience is also welcome.

      All groups comprise of a 30–45-minute mental health 'expression session' on the sand followed by a learn to surf component.

      Register Online

      Use Referral Codes: VETS0700 

      Event Image
      Sunday, 12 October 2025 - 30 November 2025 | 10:15am - 12:15pm
      Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience
      gold coast

      This Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (WOWSE) is a free eight-week evidence based learn-to-surf program for veterans. It facilitates functional recovery, while promoting social inclusion, engagement, and enhanced quality of life. The primary focus of the program is to introduce surfing to participants as a way to improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing in a neutral, non-intrusive environment. The program uses the ocean and surfing as a conduit to explore, stimulate and facilitate positive therapy outcomes. 

      This a learn to surf group, no prior surf experience is necessary, although anyone with surfing experience is also welcome.

      All groups comprise of a 30–45-minute mental health 'expression session' on the sand followed by a learn to surf component.

      Register Online

      Use Referral Codes: VETS1015

      Event Image
      Sunday, 12 October 2025 - 30 November 2025 | 7:45am - 9:45am
      Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience
      gold coast

      This Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (WOWSE) is a free eight-week evidence based learn-to-surf program for veterans. It facilitates functional recovery, while promoting social inclusion, engagement, and enhanced quality of life. The primary focus of the program is to introduce surfing to participants as a way to improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing in a neutral, non-intrusive environment. The program uses the ocean and surfing as a conduit to explore, stimulate and facilitate positive therapy outcomes. 

      This a learn to surf group, no prior surf experience is necessary, although anyone with surfing experience is also welcome.

      All groups comprise of a 30–45-minute mental health 'expression session' on the sand followed by a learn to surf component.

      Register Online

      Use Referral Codes: VETS0745

      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