International Surf Therapy Organization
ISTO is a collective of the world's leading surf therapy practitioners, clinicians, and researchers, working together to advance the sector. Our mission is to enable more people in need access to safe, inclusive programs and for surf therapy to become a widely accepted evidence-based form of care to address our mental health crisis.
Visit this organization’s website to learn more
3 Submitted Ideas
CONNECT ·2025 Grants ChallengeWaves of Healing for Fire-Impacted Angelenos
In response to the devastating LA 2025 Fires in LA County, our surf therapy events will provide trauma-informed mental health support and physical healing for youth, families, and first responders affected by the wildfires. By combining evidence-based therapeutic practices with the restorative power of the ocean, we'll offer a free, accessible path to recovery for victims of the LA 2025 Fires. This initiative promotes long-term well-being while addressing wildfire relief, the critical need, and ongoing comprehensive mental health care.
PLAY ·2023 Grants ChallengePromoting Surf Therapy for Better Health in LA
The International Surf Therapy Organization's training course and its manual will be created simultaneously from the outcome of our groundbreaking mixed-methods study with surf therapy practitioners. Our project aligns with the focus of this opportunity as we strive to promote health equity by advancing the surf therapy sector. The sector addresses health disparities and racial inequities by providing access to oceans, wetsuits, surfboards, surf instructors, and mental health services to the most underserved populations.
- PLAY ·2022 Grants Challenge
Building a Compelling Blue Print for Surf Therapy Organizations
This project aims to extend ISTO's larger mission with data collected from Los Angeles—the most impacted region worldwide for surf-therapy programs. The project will produce an in-depth global surf therapy study, bringing knowledge and understanding about surf therapy's benefits, challenges, drivers, and outcomes. This research will inform the first evidence-based "Surf Therapy Training Course" to guide global organizations' abilities to implement effective interventions that contribute to a healthy culture in diverse multinational communities.