The creators of an accredited life-saving surfing program for veterans are hoping to get federal government support to expand the program across Australia.
Key points:
- The Veteran Surf Project (VSP) in Gerroa is helping veterans with PTSD through surf therapy and companionship.
- More than 200 veterans have gone through the program, and many have credited it with saving their lives
- VSP hopes to receive federal funding to expand the program in Australia.
The Veteran Surf Project, based in Gerroa on the New South Wales South Coast, has supported more than 200 people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.
Veteran Greg “Willo” Williams joined the show about two years ago and said he found the cure.
“There’s the euphoria of riding the waves, and all these people are clapping and clapping and going. It feels great,” he said.
Williams served in the Australian Defense Force (ADF) for seven years, but it was his six-month tour in Iraq that exposed him to horrific events and left him scarred.
Greg Williams credits the VSP with saving his life and believes it could help many other veterans. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)
Veteran Finds His ‘Medicine’
Williams tried to find help through medical services and community groups for several years, but nothing worked and his mental health deteriorated.
If you or someone you know needs help:
“At one point in 2013 I tried to kill myself,” Williams said.
“I couldn’t stand the noises, the smells, the things in my head, the visions I couldn’t get rid of.”
About two years ago, a tradesman visiting his home to do some maintenance noticed Mr Williams’ surfboard and army backpack and suggested he join a special surfing program veteran in Gerroa.
In July he reached his 110th surf with the group.
“It’s given me purpose in life, it’s given me a kick, it’s saved my life,” Williams said.
“I have to have my surf medicine every other day.”
More than 200 veterans have already graduated from the program. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)
Launched by the big wave surfer
The show is the brainchild of former pro and big-wave surfer Rusty Moran, who battled his own generational trauma from his father’s post-World War II PTSD.
The VSP is the brainchild of former pro and big wave surfer Rusty Moran. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)
“I was teaching a bunch of GPs [general practitioners] and they were referring Navy veterans to my surf school, and one brought up the idea that we should prescribe surfing as medicine rather than pharmaceuticals,” Moran said.
“And I said, ‘Right.’ It sounds great.”
Veterans receive the program through word of mouth, GPs and hospitals.
It begins as a 10-week learn-to-surf program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, with participants encouraged to continue sailing with the group.
“Surf commands respect”
The program offers camaraderie, athleticism, risk and an adrenaline rush, which Mr. Moran says it matches aspects of service in the ADF.
“Surfing demands respect,” he said.
“It’s going to knock you over if you’re not paying attention, so you have to focus everything.
“There’s no other space to think about the past. You have to be in this present moment. It’s meditative.
“Then there’s that thrill of getting into one of the waves, getting on the board and holding it up to the shore. It’s just 10 seconds of pure bliss.”
Rach Ranton and the VSP team watch the waves before hitting the water. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)
Moran said the program had yielded some broad results.
“We had a Vietnam veteran who hadn’t slept more than three hours a night for the last 48 years,” he said.
“Then when he started surfing, he almost doubled his sleep. It was unreal.
“We had police detectives, some trying to remove the drugs and alcohol.
“For some it’s keeping their temper and their aggressive outbursts.
“One woman had the date of her suicide written in her diary and her friends let me know that this not only saved her but also her children and her husband because they got their mother and her woman”.
Defense Support Services:
- The 24/7 Defense Helpline is a confidential telephone and online service for ADF members and their families 1800 628 036
- Open Arms offers free and confidential advice and support 24 hours a day to current and former members of the ADF and their families 1800 011 046
- Soldier On is a national provider of support services for Defense personnel, contemporary veterans and their families. Contact during office hours on 1300 620 380
- You can contact the Defense and Veterans Legal Service (DAVLS) on 1800 33 1800
It is now the subject of Mr. They live at the University of Western Sydney.
He hopes to have scientific evidence of success to share with the Department of Veterans Affairs within the next six months.
The project also recently received funding from the NSW Government to include first responders.
To “rebuild and re-identify”
Veteran Rach Ranton, who served in the army for 11 years with tours in East Timor and Afghanistan, traveled from Queensland to take part in the programme.
Rach Ranton served in the army for 11 years with tours in East Timor and Afghanistan. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)
“It’s a really positive program. It helps you rebuild and re-identify who you want to be in the future,” he said.
“To me, that’s mindfulness. You’re in every moment of being there and focusing, so yeah, that’s why I love surfing.”
Williams said the team hoped the project could be expanded nationwide.
“I truly believe that with programs like this, and this program in particular, we can reduce veteran suicide to almost nothing.”
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