Amanda Hignett|Mathew P. White|Sabine Pahl|Rebecca Jenkin|Mod Le Froy
Evaluation of a surfing programme designed to increase personal well-being and connectedness to the natural environment among ‘at risk’ young people
University of Plymouth|University of Exeter|University of Plymouth|University of Exeter
outdoor activities important complement classroom learning especially childrenyoung people excluded risk exclusion mainstream schooling current research explored impact 12week surfing programme among group uk prepost data physiological health heart rate hrblood pressure selfreported wellbeing life domain satisfaction connectedness eg nature school environmental awareness eg role sand dunes teacher evaluations eg behaviour collected results found significant drops hr suggesting improved fitness increased satisfaction appearance positive attitudes towards school friendships greater environmental awareness positive teacher evaluations postintervention lack findings domains suggests results due participants simply conforming demand characteristics overall results suggest surfing interventions could important benefits vulnerable young people struggle mainstream schooling need future research using control groups longer term followup discussed