I've always been curious about the ocean's power and beauty, but a deep-rooted fear of the sea has kept me from truly embracing it. Can a surfing retreat in Morocco help me overcome this?
My fear of waves seems to have crept up on me over time, perhaps influenced by my career as a journalist covering humanity's darkest deeds. It's a fear that has left me stranded on the shore while my family enjoys the waves. But I'm determined to change that.
As I transitioned to a new job after 14 years, I knew it was time for a break—a break that would challenge me and help me process some of the emotionally challenging experiences I'd faced. Thus, I chose a week-long trauma surfing retreat in Morocco, organized by Resurface, a company founded by psychologist Josh Dickson.
Resurface offers a unique approach, combining morning yoga and surf lessons with afternoon group therapy. Josh believes in creating a 'flow' state, where the mind and body work together towards healing, aided by the natural environment and a break from daily life.
Surfing is more than just a sport; it's a full-body, mind-engaging experience. It immerses you in nature, demanding your complete focus. And it triggers a range of beneficial hormones: endorphins for mood enhancement, dopamine and serotonin for a natural high, and adrenaline and norepinephrine for that thrilling, focused feeling.
Initially, I had signed up for Resurface's Reset retreat, designed to promote resilience. However, fate led me to their first EMDR (eye movement, desensitization, and reprocessing) group retreat. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR aims to reduce distressing emotions linked to traumatic memories.
The theory behind EMDR is fascinating: traumatic events are not processed neurologically in the same way as healthy memories, which is why they can resurface and intrude. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, like rapid eye movements or body tapping, to help the brain process and store these memories normally.
I arrived in Tamraght, a charming surf town, with some trepidation. Tamraght, with its dusty streets, vibrant restaurants, and beach camels, is a quieter alternative to the bustling Taghazout. Our home for the retreat was Riad dar Haven, a beautiful and welcoming riad where we, a diverse group of individuals, gathered for a delicious dinner on our first night.
The next morning, after some ice-breaking exercises led by Josh, we headed to the beach. Our surf instructors, led by the experienced Youness Arhbi, were fantastic at encouraging and supporting us, especially those of us with cement hips and no surfing experience.
Each morning, we explored different beaches around Tamraght, where the waves were gentle enough to ease my fears. Being in the cold, salty water for hours was both exhausting and exhilarating. Learning to catch a wave, failing, and then paddling back out to try again became a meditative practice.
After our surf lessons, our group would gather on the beach, sharing our surfing stories over lunch. Then, we'd head back to the riad for our therapy session. Initially, this part felt vulnerable, but Josh's expertise and guidance made it a safe and transformative experience.
As the week progressed, the EMDR sessions became the most impactful part of the retreat for me. I had slowly lost faith in the world and its people, but sharing my personal struggles with a supportive group brought me real hope and connection. It restored my faith in humanity in a way self-reflection never could.
While my surfing skills didn't improve dramatically, I didn't mind. On my last day, the waves were bigger, and I felt that familiar fear. But with the instructor's encouragement and a good cry on the beach, I persevered. And in that final half-hour, I managed to stand up on my board, a small victory that felt like a triumph. I heard cheers from the beach, and the group joined me in celebration.
This retreat, provided by Resurface, offers a unique opportunity to combine surfing and therapy. Their seven-night surf therapy retreats start from £2,500pp and include accommodation, transfers, meals, lessons, therapy, and activities. The next trip begins on April 11th.
And this is the part most people miss: the power of facing our fears and the healing that can come from it. So, what do you think? Could a surfing retreat be the key to unlocking your own personal growth and healing? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
