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ABOUT ME

I'm Zac, a South Coast local, and have spent more time in than out of the ocean. At a young age I learnt how to swim, and from there it was an inconsequential amount of time before I was up and ripping on my first surfboard. Whilst being a competitive swimmer most of my childhood and teenage years, I would always be running away from swim practise to go surf, my parents just couldn't keep my out of the ocean, it has always felt like home.

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Since then, not much has changed, my love for the ocean has only grown, and over the past decade I've been sharing my love of it with other's through surf coaching and instructing at a variety of Surf Schools. Whilst surf instructing was always real passion for me, as a psychology student in my 3rd year, working out of a clinic and helping people overcome mental illnesses and educating them on positive wellbeing techniques is where I felt my place in the world lay. 

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However, everything changed when I helped set up the Veteran Surf Project (VSP), for current and ex-serving military members. From the very first session I knew I had found my calling. First hand, I got to witness the (and I don't say this lightly) life changing, and life-saving effects that surf therapy can have on people.

 

After two years with the VSP, I feel as though it was now time to step out and help as many people as I can in the wider community, with a focus on current and ex-serving Police and first responders through starting up this program "Waves of Thinking". 

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I can't wait to show you the benefits of surf therapy firsthand.

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MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

What Makes Me Stand Out

Surfer

As far back as I can remember, I have always been drawn to the water. I have spent countless hours lifeguarding, diving, and surfing on beaches all across Australia, and I have come to appreciate the unique beauty and power of the ocean.

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​Through my years of experience, I have gained a deep understanding of the ocean and its many moods. I have learned to read the waves and currents, to anticipate changes in the weather, and to always be prepared for the unexpected.

Psychology Student

As a current student of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I have been given a unique opportunity to learn about the complexities of the human mind and the many challenges that people face in their mental health journeys.

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Through my studies and personal experience, I have gained an understanding of the struggles that individuals with mental illnesses go through, as well as the effective techniques and strategies that can help them overcome their challenges.

Worked With Military Veterans

I am proud to have been a part of the team that set up the Veteran Surf Project (VSP) alongside a group of dedicated coaches. Since its inception in 2021, the VSP has been dedicated to providing a unique and powerful form of therapy for current and ex-serving military members through the power of surfing.

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I am grateful to have been a part of this important initiative, and I look forward to continuing to support veterans and their families

About Our Services

Contributing to AVS:
Association of Veteran Surfers 

AVS

Where is the Evidence?
Links to supporting articles

“Feels Good to Get Wet”:

The Unique Affordances of Surf Therapy Among Australian Youth

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.721238/full

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A qualitative investigation into the perceived therapeutic benefits and barriers of a surf therapy intervention for youth mental health

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229921000546

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Surf Therapy: A Scoping Review of the Qualitative and Quantitative Research Evidence

https://www.gjcpp.org/en/article.php?issue=36&article=206

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