Waves of Wellness Foundation

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Waves of Wellness Foundation

Waves of Wellness Foundation is an Australian mental health & surf therapy charity, changing lives through innovative mental health & wellness programs.

The Waves of Wellness Foundation was founded after the overwhelming success of the OneWave Surfing Experience (OWSE), an 8-week learn to surf program for people dealing with mental health issues. Previously the Founder and Managing Director of the OWSE, Joel pilgrim is now the CEO of the Waves of Wellness foundation. Also known as the WOW Foundation, we are registered as a Health Promotion Charity, and with the help of an incredible team, we're taking surf therapy and wellness programs to the next level. At present, 12 surfing experience programs have rolled out across 8 locations around Australia.

30/09/2026

A big thanks to Smorgasboarder for giving us the opportunity to share a little more about WOW, our journey and the people behind what we do.

They recently sat down with Paul, one of our Sunshine Coast facilitators and Queensland State Lead, to chat about his personal connection to surfing, his journey with WOW and the ripple effect we’ve seen grow over the years.

From our first programs in 2016 to now reaching communities across Australia, it’s pretty special to look back at how far we’ve come - and the people who have helped shape the journey along the way.

Have a read of The Ripple Effect on page 22 in the latest issue of SMORGASBOARDER for FREE via link in our bio!

Thanks again for giving us this space Smorgasboarder and to Paul for sharing his journey with WOW 🤙💙

28/09/2026

Something is shifting.

Even when you can’t feel it yet.

Progress doesn’t always look like a big breakthrough. Sometimes, it’s getting back on the board. Learning to stand. Falling off and trying again. And slowly, you start to notice you’re getting a little stronger each time.

And sometimes, progress with our mental health looks a lot like that too.

Small steps. Small wins. Showing up, even on the hard days.

At WOW, we see it every day. Through surf therapy, connection and the support of others, people are finding new ways to navigate the tough stuff.

Because change doesn’t always happen all at once.

Sometimes, it starts with getting back on the board. 🌊

25/09/2026

Last Thursday, we wrapped up two more WOW programs. 🌊

Our Noosa Veterans Program and Caloundra Female Veterans Program have spent the past 8 weeks in the water, building connection, confidence and community along the way.

And if you swipe through to the last image, you’ll spot one of our facilitators, Will getting barrelled 🌊🤙 A pretty fun way to wrap things up!

A huge thank you to RSL Queensland for funding both programs and helping make this experience possible for our Veteran community.

To everyone who paddled out, showed up and shared the waves - thank you for being part of it.

The programs may be finished, but the connections made along the way continue. 💙

24/09/2026

Your next board meeting could look a little different🏄

Waves of Wellness Foundation is looking for Mental Health Facilitators in Sydney to help deliver our eight-week surf therapy programs at URBNSURF Sydney.

You’ll facilitate small-group mental health discussions, support participants during beginner surf lessons alongside qualified surf coaches, and help create a safe, welcoming space for connection and recovery.

This is a casual, program-by-program role. Initial programs run on Tuesdays from mid-October. Surf instructor qualifications are welcome but not required.

Applications close 5 October 2026. To view the role and apply visit link in bio.

Please share with a mental health professional who would feel at home with our team 🩵🌊

22/09/2026

“The reason I’m passionate about Waves of Wellness is I’ve been through it.”

Occy’s officially joined as an Ambassador for Waves of Wellness Foundation 🤙 Waves of Wellness • Mental Health Surf Therapy

For anyone who doesn’t know us, we’re an Aussie mental health charity delivering surf therapy programs around the country... taking therapy out of the clinic and onto the beach.

And for Occy, that hits pretty close to home.

Occy recently spent a morning with one of our Queensland groups to experience surf therapy for himself. He got to see firsthand what happens when you bring mental health support, connection and the ocean together.

Occy knows what the ocean can do for your mental health, and he certainly knows the value of having good people around you.

We’re bloody stoked to have you on board (pun intended)... welcome to the WOW family mate! 💙🤙

And if you’re new here through Occy, stick around. There’s plenty more to come.

17/09/2026

The impact of Surf Therapy 🌊

In this video, Jen shares a deeply personal part of her experience and what it meant to have support through a Waves of Wellness youth program.

At WOW, surf therapy brings together mental health and the ocean. Our facilitators bring professional backgrounds across psychology, mental health and occupational therapy, alongside a genuine passion for surfing, creating a space where people can connect, be supported and experience something different.

Stories like Jen’s are an important part of understanding why this work matters, and why access to the right support can make such a difference.

Content warning: This video includes discussion of su***de, self-harm, and mental health challenges.

14/09/2026

It’s often said that the best surfer is the one having the most fun! We’re big fans of gauging this by the biggest smiles out there on the water... and it’s safe to say there was no shortage of laughs during this Sunshine Coast session recently!

Here we have the age-old classic surf trick ‘The Cockroach’ being executed to absolute perfection🪳🤙

What’s the best novelty surf trick of all time? Extra points for creativity!

10/09/2026

Today, 10 September, is a reminder to check in, reach out and stay connected - not just today, but every day. 🌊

Some days the waves are calm. Some days they’re harder to navigate. And just like out in the water, you don’t have to face the tough days alone.

Check in with your mates. Ask the question. Really listen.
And if you’re the one finding things a little harder, it’s OK to reach out too.

You never know how much a simple conversation, a listening ear or knowing someone is there can mean.

Today and every day - check in, listen and be there. 💙

If you or someone you know needs support:

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
In an emergency: 000

***depreventionday

03/09/2026

🌊 What the ocean teaches us about life

There’s more to surfing than catching waves.

The ocean can teach us a lot about how we handle challenges, build confidence and navigate the ups and downs of life.

Swipe through to see some of the lessons we can take from the water. 🏄‍♀️

Know someone who could use one of these reminders? Send this their way. 💙

31/08/2026

Some days if all you can do is float, that’s okay too. 🌀

Not every day is about pushing forward, catching the next wave or having everything figured out.

Sometimes, simply staying afloat is enough.

There will be days when your energy is low, when things feel heavier than usual, or when moving forward looks more like resting than progressing. That doesn’t mean you’ve stopped.

The ocean reminds us that we don’t always have to fight the current. Sometimes we can soften, breathe and let ourselves float for a while.

Rest is part of the journey too. 💙

Address

Sydney, NSW

Telephone

+61459041832

Website

http://www.foundationwow.org/

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