Third Coast Rising volunteers teach vets and first responders how to surf Lake Michigan waves.
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — It’s quickly gaining a global following. Surf therapy is defined as a “method of intervention combining surf instruction or surfing and structured individual or group activities that promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being.” Sharing this effective therapy with veterans and first responders is why West Michigan based non-profit Third Coast Rising exists.
The beautiful blue waves of Lake Michigan can bring healing.
“It’s all about mindfulness, I feel like surfing is the best thing for being mindful,” said Mark Cox, the veteran contact for Third Coast Rising. He first learned of surfing’s benefits while serving in the Air Force.
“It’s going to be so awesome for veterans and first responders to get out here because they don’t have to think about the past or the future or the worries they might have, they just think about the moment,” Cox said.
Grand Haven Public Safety Lt. and first responder contact Ryan Enlow was one of the first to go through the eight-week program.
Source: Local non-profit introduces surf therapy to veterans, first responders