Our Impact

Since 2016 Groundswell Community Project has created brave, inclusive spaces for healing at the intersection of mental health, women’s health, and ocean health. Through surf therapy programs, facilitator trainings, global partnerships, and community-based healing, we’ve built a movement that’s transforming lives — one wave at a time.

Our Pillars of Impact

Expand Access

We remove barriers to surf therapy by offering free and sliding-scale programs and trauma-informed training.

Build Community

We create safe, joyful, and transformative spaces where women+ can heal, connect, and grow.

Train & Equip

Through the Groundswell Institute, we train surf therapy facilitators, clinicians, interns, and partner organizations in our trauma-informed, somatic, and nature-based healing model.

Advocate & Advance Research

We partner with academic institutions and thought leaders to validate surf therapy as a legitimate and effective mental health modality.

9 Years of Impact: By the Numbers

6,000+

Individuals served

92%

of participants experience improved mental health & emotional resilience after just one session

350+

Surf therapy programs, grief circles, retreats, and healing experiences completed

85%

of participants report a stronger sense of connection & belonging

800+

Training sessions delivered to clinicians, facilitators, interns, and community leaders

85%

of participants are low- to moderate - income

500+

Surf therapy providers and organizations trained in our trauma-informed model

75%

of participants receive full or partial scholarships, covering program costs, gear, and transportation.

Global Healing in Motion

From the shores of San Diego to the surf of Scotland and the waves of Huanchaco, Peru — Groundswell’s ripple has become a global groundswell. Our programs are co-led by licensed therapists, trained surf coaches, and community leaders, rooted in local cultures, needs, and wisdom.

Explore highlights from our international branches:

2016-2022 Peru

2023 Scotland Research

2021 Scotland Research

Dive Deeper

Want to explore our full annual reports? Check out the following links to celebrate the full scope of our collective journey.

The unpredictable rogue waves of 2020 challenged us to get creative, flex our resiliency muscles, and remember all that Mother Ocean has taught us as we stayed our course. How we reached our navigational points was different than we planned, but I like to think even better than we could have ever imagined.
— Natalie Small, Founder of Groundswell Community Project.