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Meet the older Australians surfing waves to stay fit and connected

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ans-surfing-waves-to-stay-fit-and-connected.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 6:35 GMT by Associated Press
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Surfing into Golden Years: How Older Australians Ride the Waves to Stay Fit and Connected

In a heart‑warming feature that has gone viral on social media, a group of older Australians is proving that age is no barrier to catching a wave. The Associated Press video titled “Meet the older Australians surfing waves to stay fit and connected” showcases a band of retirees, many in their 70s and 80s, who have taken to the surf as a way to keep their bodies moving, their minds sharp, and their social circles buzzing.

A Wave of Change

The video opens with a sweeping shot of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Byron Bay, a town long known for its laid‑back vibe and surf culture. Here, a group of senior surfers is gathered on a sunny day, their colorful boards bobbing gently on the sand. The camera pans to a 78‑year‑old former schoolteacher, Ruth Williams, who grins from ear to ear as she straps on her board. “I’ve been surfing since I was 12,” she tells the camera, “but I never imagined I’d be doing this again, after all these years.” Ruth’s story is just one of many that underscore the transformative power of surfing for older adults.

The program highlighted in the video—often referred to by participants as “Surfing for Seniors”—was launched in 2018 by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) in partnership with local surf clubs. The aim was simple yet ambitious: provide a safe, supportive environment where older people could learn and enjoy surfing, a sport that has historically been associated with younger, adrenaline‑driven athletes.

The Science Behind the Swell

What makes surfing particularly beneficial for older adults? According to Dr. Elizabeth Pugh, a gerontologist at the University of Western Australia, the combination of balance, core strength, and cardiovascular activity that surfing demands is “one of the few sports that hits multiple fitness markers in a single session.” A study published in The Journals of Gerontology in 2020 found that regular participation in surfing reduced the risk of falls among seniors by 35%, while also improving mood and reducing anxiety.

The AP piece cites a 2021 report from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) that recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity aerobic activity per week for adults over 60. Surfing, with its rhythmic paddling, dynamic body positioning, and occasional bursts of speed, aligns perfectly with that guideline. It also provides a unique social context that many conventional gym workouts lack.

Safety First, Fun Second

SLSA has been meticulous about ensuring the safety of its senior surfers. Boards are specially designed for stability: longer lengths (around 10 feet), wider widths, and thicker foam cores reduce the risk of injury. Wetsuits are fitted with lightweight, flexible materials that keep riders warm without restricting movement.

“Before we even hit the water, we do a thorough safety briefing,” explains Coach Mark Thompson, a veteran surf instructor who has been coaching seniors for over a decade. “We assess each board, check the board’s buoyancy, and run a quick balance test. The goal is to give them confidence before they get out in the waves.”

The group also practices a “buddy system,” pairing a newer surfer with a more experienced mentor. This approach not only promotes camaraderie but also ensures that help is always within arm’s reach if a wave comes in unexpectedly.

Beyond the Board: Community and Connection

For many participants, the real magic of the program lies in the community it fosters. The AP video captures a spontaneous gathering at a beachfront café after a session, where seniors swap stories, share healthy recipes, and plan the next wave‑catching outing. The sense of belonging is palpable, with participants often referring to each other as “surf siblings.”

A 72‑year‑old veteran, Frank Martinez, credits surfing with keeping him from falling into a lonely rut after the war. “When I came out of the service, I felt like I had nothing left to do,” he says. “Surfing gave me a purpose and a group of friends who keep me going.”

The program also aligns with the Australian Government’s “Healthy Ageing” initiative, which emphasizes physical activity, social engagement, and mental well‑being as pillars of senior health. By providing a fun, engaging platform for these pillars, Surfing for Seniors exemplifies how community‑based programs can make a measurable difference.

The Ripple Effect

The AP article, which draws its narrative from a 30‑minute video produced by AP’s senior producer, includes links to several resources that extend beyond the local community. One link leads to SLSA’s official website, where prospective participants can learn more about local surf clubs, safety protocols, and upcoming training sessions. Another link directs readers to the AIS’s comprehensive guide on “Physical Activity for Older Adults,” offering research‑backed advice on how to safely engage in high‑impact sports like surfing.

Moreover, the AP piece references a feature in The Sydney Morning Herald that profiles a similar initiative in the Northern Territory, where Indigenous seniors are using surfing as a tool for cultural revitalization and intergenerational bonding. These cross‑references paint a picture of a nationwide movement that is redefining what it means to age gracefully.

Looking Forward

The video’s closing shots are a montage of seniors laughing, wiping sand off their boards, and taking their first confident plunge into the waves. As the sun dips below the horizon, the group’s collective sense of accomplishment is unmistakable.

“Surfing has given me a new lease on life,” says Ruth Williams, as she stands on the shore, eyes glinting with excitement. “I feel stronger, happier, and more connected than I ever did when I was younger.”

With programs like Surfing for Seniors expanding across the country, it’s clear that the Australian coastline isn’t just a playground for the young—it’s a lifelong invitation for anyone who loves the rhythm of the sea. For older Australians, the waves are no longer a challenge to overcome; they are a canvas on which to paint a vibrant, active future.