Jimmy Miller Foundation Ocean Therapy Days
What is Ocean Therapy?
Ocean Therapy is an adaptive surfing program to assist individuals coping
with mental and physical illness in accessing the ocean environment.
Surfing has long since been a sport associated with freedom and independence
and has the ability to support individuals with special needs in increasing
their self-esteem and self-confidence.
The purpose of this program is to increase perceived self-efficacy in individuals with physical and developmental disabilities through engagement in physical activity in the ocean environment, specifically, the activity of surfing. The program can be a one-time activity or ideally an ongoing program where growth and healing can be seen and measured.
The initial idea for a therapeutic surfing program came from Carly Rogers' personal experience working with children with special needs at the beach as an ocean safety instructor with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards. Carly found that the therapeutic benefits of surfing were obvious in the emotional reactions of the children during and after their experience in the ocean. She later wrote the ocean therapy program utilized today while earning her master's degree at USC in Occupational Therapy."Having worked as a Los Angeles County Lifeguard for the past nine years, and instructing children in ocean safety for the last seven, I have been able to witness the therapeutic effects of surfing. I've seen children jump out of wheel chairs, trying to get to the waters edge. Now imagine the impact of being able to actually ride a wave?"
What is Self-Efficacy?
Self-efficacy is an individual's belief or estimate of their own ability
to achieve a personal goal. It is predicted that by successfully engaging
in the activity of surfing and "riding a wave", these individuals
will increase their self-confidence and belief in their ability to achieve
other goals in other life areas.
The indivdiuals will be evaluated before and after the one-day program
to assess their perceived self-efficacy through questionnaires, journal
entries, and/or discussion.
The Volunteer Team
The Ocean Therapy Team is made up of a wide range of experienced volunteers
including:
· Occupational Therapists (OTR)
· Professional Ocean Lifeguards
· Physical Therapists
· Mental Health Professionals
· Professional Surfers
· Mentors & Friends
· Certified California EMTs
The Ocean Therapy team maintains the collective goal of creating the
best possible environment for the participants to be able to go surfing and
feel confident in their abilities. That is what makes our team so strong!
Safety Features:
· Registered Occupational, Speech, or Physical Therapists or
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants with surfing experience.
· Certified Los Angeles County Lifeguard and California State
Lifeguard Volunteers with experience instructing individuals in surfing
· Soft Surfboards to increase buoyancy
· High quality life jackets in a variety of sizes
· Rescue equipment and First Aid supplies on hand
The Ocean Therapy program session will include:
9:30am- Volunteers arrive to set up
10:00-11:00am Participants arrive.Group Welcome and Introduction to Ocean Therapy
Ocean Safety Lecture
Warm up and Stretching
Surfing Instruction Lecture
11:00am-11:45am
Riding Waves
11:45am- 12:15pm
Discussion Session
Reapply Sunscreen
12:15pm- 1:00pm
Riding Waves
1:00pm- 2:00pm
Lunch and Discussion Session
Goodbyes
Safety Lecture
1. Sunscreen
2. Listening to Adults
3. Surfing Attire- Life Vest, Wetsuit
4. Protecting Your Head
5. Ocean Conditions
Surfing Instruction
1. Board Features- Nose, Tail, Rails, Deck, Fin, Leash
2. Body Position on Board- "Toes on the Tail", Body in the
Center
3. Paddling Out Through the Surf- Paddling Technique, "Push-Up",
Turtle Roll
4. "3-Step Pop Up"- Push Up, One Foot Forward, Pivot with
Bent Knees, Looking forward
5. Check for individual's Preferred Stance, Apply Leash
Handling Techniques
Due to the nature of the individual's history and the unstable conditions
of the ocean, it is imperative that each volunteer provide the participant
with constant reassurance and praise. The goal is to have a 1:1 ratio between participant and volunteer. The following techniques will provide the participant with
a feeling of security and trust with their volunteer:
1. Eye Contact in the Ocean
2. Physical Contact while on the Board
3. Redirection from Fears
4. Verbal Reassurance
5. Constant Praise
6. Awareness of ocean conditions- rip tides, large sets, breaking waves,
lifeguard areas
7. Elation!!!
Mid-Day Discussion
The focus of this discussion is to isolate and amplify the feelings
produced by the activity of surfing. By discussing these emotions and
having the participant identify with their new skill attainment, it is assumed
that the indivdiuals will feel a greater sense of self-efficacy and pride
in their accomplishment.
Questions may include:
1. How did you feel before the surfing session?
2. What experiences did you have during the surfing session?
3. How do you feel now that you accomplished such a difficult task?
4. Do you want to surf again today? Tomorrow? Next week?
5. Is there anything else you have done that feels similar to surfing?
6. How can you use this experience to assist you in other life areas?
Volunteer
Volunteer to help with our unique ocean therapy days. We will have many
days in the summer when you can help and experience a day of ocean therapy
for a participant from Hollygrove
Children & Family Services,. Help us make our mission a reality for
these kids. To volunteer please email us at info@jimmymillerfoundation.org