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Surfers over 50 catching waves to beat the blues

BBC Carol Maddock stands on a beach smiling at the camera. She is wearing a green hoodie and a pink beanie hat that says "ocean therapy" BBC
Carol Maddock started surfing last year after falling into "a bit of a rut"

A surfing group for over-50s is helping to tackle "damaging" ageing-stereotypes, according to its members.

Phil Owen, 57, from Swansea, set up Ocean Therapy when he was struggling with his own mental health.

He said surfing helped him while he was off work with depression and wanted to share the benefits with others who were over 50.

"People aged 50 are just as active or can be just as active as anyone else," he said.

Carol Maddock, 61, from Uplands in Swansea county, joined the classes last year, after falling into "a bit of a rut".

"There's an expectation as you get a bit older that you get stuck in a routine and maybe get stuck in a bit of a rut, and I was a bit like that," she said.

"I've always known being outdoors is good for my mental health, but there's something about this in particular that just envelopes you and you can't think of anything else.

"It literally washes away stuff that isn't important."

Carol said the classes were important to help tackle "damaging" ageing stereotypes.

"I think older people themselves can take those stereotypes on board and feel that's all we're able to and you become a product of what society thinks of you," she said.

"I think it's important we challenge them all the time and see that anything is possible."

Katie Aviss has long blonde hair and is stood on a beach wearing a purple coat and a blue woolly snood
Kate Aviss, 57, says Ocean Therapy gave her the opportunity finally to try surfing

The classes are funded by Swansea council, and all the equipment needed is provided, which encouraged 57-year-old Kate Aviss to join.

"I've always wanted to try surfing but I always thought you needed to buy the board, and the wetsuit and everything else that's needed," she said.

She added without it she may be "not wanting to do anything" or sat on the settee, but surfing set off her week.

Phil Owen is wearing a wet suit with a blue logo reading ocean therapy. He has a grey beard and long light brown hair, under a light blue/green hat, which also says Ocean Therapy
Founder of the project Phil Owen says surf therapy has helped many of his members

Founder of the project Phil Owen said surf therapy had helped many of his members who are diagnosed with a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety and depression.

He said: "People talk about mindfulness and being in flow state, and it's when you're in the water and surfing, you're only thinking of paddling those waves.

"You're just totally in the zone focusing on surfing, and research shows that doing that, while learning a new skills is hugely beneficial for people's sense of wellbeing."

Phil started offering surf therapy for people struggling with their mental health in 2019, but realised there was a need for wellbeing activities specifically for those over 50.

"An organisation called Spacehive helped us apply for funding and it's been a massive success, it's fully funded so it means people can come for free which is a huge benefit.

"I think the fact that I'm over 50 helps new people to feel less intimidated, because if I was in my 20s it would be a bit more daunting to try something like this."