“It calms me and scares me all at once”: A qualitative content analysis study of the links between surfing and mental health in New South Wales, Australia

A balanced view of the celebrated therapeutic and restorative benefits of surfing recognises a more complex reality in which surfers must navigate a range of social, psychological, and environmental challenges. The positive effects on mental health from recreational surfing are counterbalanced by several associated negative effects. Understanding the motivations of surfers despite this, and the balance of factors affecting the experiences and mental wellbeing of recreational surfers, will inform the promotion of recreational surfing and the design and delivery of associated programs. A qualitative content analysis study was conducted with data collected through the Global Surfer Survey. A cross-sectional inductive thematic analysis identified dominant themes in response to two questions related to surfing and mental health. Regarding the ‘meaning of surfing’ key positive themes included emotional regulation, surfing as an identity and lifestyle, maintenance of physical wellbeing, and social belonging. Key negative themes included social exclusion and aggression, environmental and physical stressors and the emotional toll of rescue. The experiences and challenges faced by recreational surfers are related to a combination of demographic, social and environmental factors. Mental wellbeing is shaped through motivational balancing of relational engagement with the ocean, and surf culture. The motivations for recreational surfing in Australia are best understood through a relational wellbeing lens where entanglements between individuals and their social and environmental contexts are identified. In understanding these motivations, a balanced view can be presented when participating in, promoting, planning for, and developing policy for recreational surfing. • There are significant negative associations of recreational surfing relating to demographic, social and environmental factors. • Being involved in a rescue as a surfer is a significant cause of negative impacts on mental health. • Promotion, planning and developing policy for surfing as a recreational pursuit should be informed by a balanced view which includes the negative associations that exist for this sport.