Surf Therapy in Morocco: A Journey to Overcome Fear of the Sea
For many, the surf around Tamraght in Morocco is often calm, making it an ideal destination for beginners. However, for one journalist, this serene setting became the backdrop for a profound personal challenge: conquering a deep-seated fear of the sea through a unique surfing retreat.
The Roots of a Deep-Seated Fear
The writer's terror of waves likely began with a traumatic incident nearly two decades ago in Biarritz, France, where a monster wave body-slammed them onto the seabed. Over time, this fear evolved into a slow creep, fueled by rational concerns about riptides, hidden rocks, sharks, and concussion. Yet, the fear ran deeper, possibly linked to years of reporting on human suffering as a journalist, which eroded their sense of safety in a dangerous world.
In recent years, any sea with waves above waist-height became a no-go zone, leaving the writer fretting on the shoreline while family enjoyed the water. This sadness prompted a decision to seek a circuit break during a job change, leading to a week-long trauma surfing retreat in Morocco with the company Resurface.
The Resurface Retreat: Holistic Healing Through Surf and Therapy
Founded by psychologist Josh Dickson, Resurface specialises in trauma, recovery, and personal growth. The retreat offers a holistic experience, combining morning yoga and surf lessons with afternoon group therapy work. Dickson aims to create a "flow" state, where the body and mind work together towards healing, supported by sunshine, cold water, and disconnection from daily life.
Surfing serves as a powerful therapeutic tool, requiring full immersion in nature and concentration, while triggering helpful hormones like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. Initially booked for a Reset retreat to prevent burnout, the writer instead joined an EMDR (eye movement, desensitisation and reprocessing) group retreat.
EMDR Therapy: Processing Trauma in a Group Setting
Developed in the 1980s by US psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps reduce distressing emotions linked to past traumas by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to process memories normally. In a group setting among strangers in Tamraght, this felt intimate and exposing, but the writer found it transformative over the week.
Tamraght, a quiet and chilled surf town north of Agadir, provided a welcoming environment with dusty streets full of restaurants, ceramics shops, and a lovely seafront. The retreat was based at Riad dar Haven, where the eclectic, multi-generational cohort met for meals and sessions.
Surfing Lessons and Group Dynamics
Led by local surf instructor Youness Arhbi, the group included both beginners and experienced surfers. The teachers were patient and funny, helping first-timers with cement hips stand up on foam learner boards. Each morning, they visited different beautiful beaches around Tamraght with tiny waves, making it hard to feel frightened.
The experience of being in cold, salt water for hours was exhausting yet exhilarating. Learning to catch a wave, often failing and trying again, became a meditation. After lessons, the group shared triumphs and frustrations on the beach, fostering a sense of community.
Transformational Therapy and Personal Breakthroughs
Initially, the EMDR sessions felt exposing, but Josh's thoughtful leadership made them the most transformational part of the retreat. Sharing with a group facing personal heartbreaks and traumas restored the writer's faith and hope in people, offering more healing than self-reflection alone.
By the end of the week, the writer's surfing skills remained basic, but on the last day, with slightly bigger waves, they faced their fear with encouragement and cathartic sobbing. In a triumphant moment, they managed to stand up on the board, cheered by the group from the beach.
This retreat, provided by Resurface, offers seven-night surf therapy packages from £2,500 per person, including accommodation, transfers, meals, surf lessons, therapy sessions, and activities, with the next trip starting on 11 April.
