Surf. Connect. Heal.
Waves 4 Women…Where Every Woman Belongs
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit wellness organization that empowers women to navigate life’s challenges and strengthen personal well-being through surf therapy, connection to the ocean, and a supportive community.
Through wellness and the restorative power of the ocean, we are committed to creating an environment rooted in:
Connection
Resilience
Authenticity through
Self Expression
Belonging
Surf & Wellness Offerings
Women’s Surf
and
Wellness Clinics
A 2-hour evidence-informed, instructor-led session consisting of wellness practices and surf instruction. Participants will spend one hour of the session on shore, exploring a wellness topic through discussion and activities with trained providers, followed by one hour of personalized surf instruction in the water.
Using the same framework as our Women’s Surf and Wellness Clinics, these private clinics are organized for small groups. Clinics will be customized to the group’s needs. Registrations are per group.
Customized Small Group Surf and Wellness Clinic
Private Surf
and
Wellness Session
For those hoping for a personalized experience, this clinic is designed for one participant. These clinics will utilize the same framework as other clinics, but with the added benefit of one-on-one wellness and surf instruction.
Rise Above Women’s Wellness & Conditioning Sessions
A 1.5-hour session on the beach aimed to support participants’ physical and mental wellness. Sessions include a variety of wellness activities (mindfulness practices, expressive arts, breathing exercises) alongside surf-focused physical conditioning. Donation-based. All women welcome. No experience required.
Waves 4 Women
Jr
A peer-led surf and wellness meet-up for middle school- and high school-aged participants looking to build community and connection in the Charleston area.
A casual surf meet-up for participants looking to continue their surfing journey. Led by a W4W Board Member, these meet-ups will be an opportunity for participants to further connect with fellow participants and receive surfing tips from experienced W4W community members.
Tune-Up Tuesday Surf Meet-Ups
FAQs
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Defined by the International Surf Therapy Organization (ITSO), surf therapy is “the use of surfing as a vehicle for delivering intentional, inclusive, population-specific, and evidence-based therapeutic structures to promote psychological, physical, and psychosocial well-being.” Within the last two decades, a growing body of research has supported the idea that ocean activities, including surfing, are a veritable cofacilitator in supporting human well-being (Blue Mind, Nichols, 2014).
Surf therapy is a growing field, with a variety of different approaches and forms. At Waves 4 Women, we provide guided wellness, using surfing as a tool to promote physical and mental well-being. We operate using an evidence-informed framework drawn from positive psychology, trauma-informed care, and experiential learning. However, we do not provide psychotherapy, case management, or crisis intervention/on-call services. Click below to learn more about our framework.
Our Framework
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Waves 4 Women does not provide clinical therapy (psychotherapy). Our programs are designed to complement a participant’s wellness journey by strengthening mental and physical wellness and inspiring confidence and resilience. There are no clinical therapists or psychiatrists practicing at our programs.
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Waves 4 Women programs are designed for all women, aged 18+, who are navigating life challenges/stressors and looking for an opportunity to improve their well-being through surf therapy, connection to the ocean, and a supportive community. We meet you where you are. Through the unique combination of both wellness and surf instruction, W4W aims to inspire all participants to face life challenges with confidence, resilience, and courage.
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IThere are many ways to get involved with W4W. Joining a clinic or program is a great way to learn more about our programs and experience the impact of our community firsthand (see Programs tab).
If joining a clinic isn’t for you, we always accept volunteers for our clinics and programs (see Volunteer tab).
If you are interested in supporting the mission of W4W, but don’t have time to commit to attending or volunteering at a clinic, we happily accept donations.
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It is easy to donate to W4W! Simply click the Donate Now tab at the top of our homepage. From there, you will be redirected to our payment page. If you would like to donate an item or service, or if you are an organization/company interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact info@waves4women.org. Thank you for your consideration!
Please note: Waves 4 Women is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
Community Partnerships and Collaborations
Waves 4 Women is continually partnering with community organizations that align with our mission. Recent partnerships include Horizon’s at Ashley Hall and Mad Park. Frequent collaborations include Toby the Turtle and the SC Aquarium Beach Sweeps, Folly Beach Wahine Classic, and James Island Wellness Festival with Flow Co Wellness. Interested in partnering with us?
