Where waves meet wellness, and trauma turns into triumph.
In a bold move set to redefine the intersection of mental health and adventure travel, Resurface—the evidence-based surf therapy pioneer—has announced a powerful new collection of transformative retreats for 2025. From the serene shores of Devon to the raw, untamed coastline of Norway and the sun-kissed riads of Morocco, Resurface is charting a new course for how therapy, resilience, and personal growth can be nurtured through the healing force of the ocean.
Founded in 2017 by therapist and trauma specialist Josh Dickson, Resurface has long been at the forefront of integrating positive psychology with immersive experiences. Now, the company is taking things a step further—introducing Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, typically used for trauma treatment, into group performance retreats. This groundbreaking step places Resurface among the first global wellness innovators to apply EMDR to peak performance contexts, marrying mental acuity with adventurous living.
A Vision Rooted in Science and Soul
Dickson’s vision was born not in a lab but in the waves. A lifelong surfer and mental health professional, he discovered through his journey that the state of “flow”—a term popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi—could be harnessed to unlock profound mental clarity, creativity, and emotional resilience. Supported by empirical research from institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Sydney, the idea that flow activities like surfing can rewire the brain has moved from fringe to formidable in recent years.
“Our approach is rooted in evidence, but also in experience,” said Dickson. “Surfing requires complete presence. When combined with therapy, it becomes a gateway to transformative healing and growth. We’re not just teaching people how to ride waves—we’re helping them navigate life.”
Morocco: A Retreat for Reconnection and Clarity
Launching June 28 to July 5, 2025, the new Finding Balance retreat in Morocco is designed for professionals, creatives, and caregivers who are teetering on the edge of burnout. Held in the tranquil coastal village of Tamraght near Agadir, guests are welcomed into a traditional Moroccan riad and immersed in seven days of curated experiences that blend surf lessons, movement practice, and guided psycho-educational workshops.
Participants engage in daily group therapy, cultural excursions, mindfulness sessions, and community meals—all designed to help recalibrate their inner compass. “This retreat is about more than recovery—it’s about rediscovering what drives you,” says Dickson. “We aim to equip guests with sustainable tools to stay productive, passionate, and well.”
All meals and accommodation are included, with pricing beginning at £1,950 per person. More details can be found at resurfaceuk.com.
Norway: Peak Performance in a Wild Landscape
Set against the dramatic fjords and white sands of Norway’s Stadtlandet peninsula, Resurface’s new Peak Performance Surf Therapy Retreat runs from August 10 to 17, 2025. This retreat targets professionals, athletes, and creatives striving to maintain excellence without sacrificing mental health.
Participants learn to balance high achievement with emotional recovery through surfing, breathwork, non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), and guided workshops. The program’s structure ensures each day delivers both challenge and restoration, capped off by traditional Nordic saunas and soul-stirring hikes.
“This is not just about pushing limits; it’s about discovering new ones—with grace,” says Dickson. The seven-night programme costs £1,950 per person, including all meals and accommodation (international flights excluded).
Devon: One-to-One Healing Through EMDR Surf Intensives
For those seeking privacy and personalized support, Resurface now offers bespoke EMDR Intensives in Devon, with dates available upon request. This profoundly immersive programme pairs the healing rhythm of surfing with EMDR therapy—an approach clinically validated for treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Over several intensive days, guests undergo multiple EMDR sessions to reprocess painful memories and reframe negative thought patterns. This approach accelerates healing and enables guests to experience lasting change in a safe, supportive environment. Complementary activities include movement therapy, creative expression, mindfulness, and ample time to explore the beautiful Devon coastline.
“These sessions are about creating lasting freedom,” Dickson notes. “Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding self-esteem, or searching for a renewed sense of purpose, this retreat helps you rise from where you’ve fallen.”
Prices are available upon request, with full details on the Resurface website.
Leading the Wave of Therapeutic Travel
As traditional therapy models evolve, Resurface is helping to lead a global shift toward experiential healing. By combining neuroscientific approaches, immersive outdoor settings, and holistic wellness techniques, they’re addressing mental health and inspiring joy, courage, and connection.
“In today’s world, people need more than a quiet room and a couch,” Dickson affirms. “They need nature, movement, and community. That’s the power of what we do—it’s therapy for the whole person.”
With its pioneering use of EMDR in performance-focused group settings and retreats designed to tackle our age’s most pressing emotional challenges, Resurface is more than a travel company—it’s a movement.
Written by: Alison Jenkins
