Cape Town - Muizenberg Beach came alive as more than 100 people plunged into the chilly waters, joining Waves for Change (W4C) to promote adolescent mental health through surf therapy, on Thursday.
Observing World Mental Health Day, the annual event not only raises awareness but also kicks off W4C’s biggest fundraising campaign, aiming to bring the healing power of the ocean to thousands of young South Africans.
World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10, to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
Founded in 2009 by Tim Conibear and Apish Tshetsha, W4C started as a modest weekend surf club.
By 2011, it evolved into a registered non-profit organisation focused on providing young people with vital life skills through surfing.
Tania Bailey, W4C relationship and events manager, said yesterday marked the second year they invited the public to participate in the therapy immersion.
She said the goal is to provide the same “respite” to the public that they offer to the children involved in their programmes.
“We do this Monday to Saturday, we serve 2 500 kids across five sites.
“The idea is to equip them with the tools necessary for them to be able to cope with the stress of the world and the communities they come from,” she said.
“What we can do, and try to do, is to equip them with coping skills and to self regulate.”
W4C runs programmes in Muizenberg, Monwabisi, Hout Bay, Gqeberha, and East London.
Many participants have gone on to become coaches, including 22-year-old site assistant manager, Bulelani Zelanga from Masiphumelele.
Having joined W4C at the age of 8 years old, Zelanga has risen through the ranks, driven by his desire for a brighter and more positive future.
“My journey started a long time ago, it has been an impactful journey for me.
“They taught me a lot. Life skills and about myself,” Zelanga said.
“The most important thing about today, people can just come and try and enjoy it and to not just learn about mental health but the skills we give the kids to use when they face difficult situations.”
Participants at the beach were organised into groups of eight, where they practised the Take 5 breathing activity, which is a key part of the surf therapy programme.
Local surfer and attendee, Melissa Volker, emphasised the significance of being involved, highlighting the importance of mental health.
“I was quite overwhelmed, the emotions I felt when I was in that circle.
“The energy was just amazing. There are people that are struggling with mental health, and I was very touched by the energy they give to that,” she said.
Afterwards, the participants formed a long line, holding hands as they ventured further into the ocean together.
“The guy next to me told me that he has never been that deep into the ocean before, so I held onto his hand tight, part of the immersion is to also check in with the person next to you,” Volker said.
Bailey added the therapy immersion event also served as the kick-off for W4C’s largest fundraising campaign of the year, dubbed "Therapy is Now in Session."
“A launch for R600 000 and that is to get 3 333 kids into the ocean, we say for as little as R180 you can get one child one session,” Bailey said.