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 structured programs, scholarships, and training to historically marginalized communities.
✔ Build Community: We create safe, joyful, and transformative spaces where women+ can heal, connect, and grow — both in the ocean and in our global network of surf therapy practitioners.
✔ 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. Our work is backed by clinical research and global presentations.
Dive Deeper
From the shores of San Diego to the coast of Scotland to the waves of Huanchaco, Peru — Groundswell’s ripple has become a global groundswell.
Explore the reports below to see he milestones, metrics, and movement behind the waves.
Impact AT A GLANCE
6,000+
Women and community members supported across 15+ countries through Groundswell programs.
500+
Surf therapy providers and organizations trained in our trauma-informed model.
48%
Of participants identified as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+, reflecting our commitment to equity and access.
350+
Surf therapy programs, grief circles, retreats, and healing experiences offered.
800+
Training sessions delivered to clinicians, facilitators, interns, and community leaders.
75%+
Of participants and trainees received full or partial scholarships to remove financial barriers.
“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.”
