International Surf Therapy Organization Inc

In light of May being mental health awareness month, I'm competing in an endurance event on May 21st to raise money for the International Surf Therapy Organization, a global community of practitioners and researchers collaborating to advance surf therapy as a mental and physical health intervention.

 

I was introduced to surfing after my Dad passed away by one of his best friends, Bruce. Surfing has been a sport, an escape, a career, a connector, but most of all therapy for me. Surfing teaches me cautious optimism and has shown me that one good wave similar to one positive thought has the power to change the entire momentum of a session. 

Having personally suffered from anxiety and depression I have tremendous empathy for those going through tough times, and I would love to raise money to support an organization that uses surfing to help people find joy in their lives again. 

My Aunt Megan shared a quote recently that really resonated with me; ‘There is beauty to be found in pain. Life is brutal but it is also beautiful. Life is Brutiful.’ - Glennon Doyle

 

Acknowledging that life is brutiful and it’s okay to not be okay was one of the first steps for me starting to feel better. I encourage you to reach out and check in on or open up to those closest to you. For me support from friends/family, daily exercise, mindfulness, surfing, and constantly working to become comfortable with the uncomfortable are tools I rely on and fall back on when life is especially brutiful.

 

As it relates to that last tool, I like challenging myself physically as it’s a safe arena to learn/develop mental strength, let go of negative thoughts, and stay positive. I’m planning to sharpen that through a niche endurance event in Santa Barbara, CA that consists of a 9.5 mile prone paddle, a 25 mile beach/trail run and a 38 mile mountain bike. In each of these disciplines I’ve found joy, escape, comfort, and discomfort but most of all it’s my way of connecting with those I’ve lost in my journey through this brutiful life.

 

The race is 100% self-supported (grateful to my crew, Christine & Jake) and will have few spectators so if you’re willing and able to contribute, I’d sincerely appreciate any support! I’ll drive motivation knowing that I’m raising money for a great organization and supporting those seeking help when they need it. 

 

10 cents a mile: ~$7

25 cents a mile: ~$18

50 cents a mile: ~$36
1 dollar a mile: ~$73 

http://www.king-dino.com/endurance/ocr.html