Surfing

The goal of the surfing activity at Thacher is to increase fitness, ocean awareness, competence, and safety in the surf zone all while building a lasting relationship with the ocean and reaping the rewards of dynamically interacting with nature. While we do not keep a win-loss record of any kind, students work hard on campus in and out of the pool with strength and cardio training, and we take two beach trips per week. The focus of our workouts is to build strength and stamina in core muscle groups, increase flexibility, and build confidence with breath control in and out of the water. During our visits to the beach, students use these tools to explore and expand their ability to recognize appropriate conditions, safely enter and exit the ocean, paddle independently in and around the surf zone, and finally catch, and stand up on waves totally autonomously. This is a more difficult endeavor than most suppose, but it is also more rewarding. We hope that through the surfing activity that students will build and grow a foundational relationship with the ocean that facilitates physical and mental health.