"I could not help concluding that this man felt the most supreme pleasure while he was driven on so fast and smoothly by the sea"

-Captain James Cook, logbook entry, Polynesia, 1777

The act of riding a wave is both pleasurable and exhilarating. Flying down the face of a wave, skating across the water's surface, watching a wall of water form and crash, being able to trim the surfboard to explore different areas of the waves surface are all sensations surfers know, find captivating, mesmerising, and indeed addictive. Along with the excitement and exhilaration for many surfers this activity goes beyond the physical act and becomes a source of happiness and meaning in life.

However, in spite of anecdotal evidence from magazine articles, books, and film consistently suggesting that surfing makes us happier there has been a distinct lack of research related to how and why surfing may improve psychological wellbeing.

To address this gap the aim of my study is to investigate the relationship between engaging in physical activities (such as surfing) and improvements in subjective wellbeing. If you are 18 years old or over and a surfer you are invited to take part in this research. The whole process is anonymous and conducted entirely online and will take less than 15 minutes, so it won't take up too much of your time.  Just click here.

Your participation in this research is greatly appreciated! 

Thanks, Markus Lorbergs Candidate, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Deakin University