Blue Prescription with Demaris Morales

Blue Prescribing: When the Ocean Becomes Care aka The Data Behind the StokeOn this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, we sit down with surf health researcher Damaris Morales to explore the growing intersection between surfing, health, and healing. Together, we unpack how surfing can function as more than just a sport or lifestyle—it can serve as a powerful public health intervention with measurable impacts on both mental and physical well-being.From stress reduction and emotional regulation to community connection and trauma recovery, Damaris breaks down the science behind why time in the ocean can profoundly affect the body and mind. The conversation also explores the future of surf therapy, the research helping legitimize it within healthcare spaces, and what it could mean for surfing to one day be recognized as a preventative health practice and therapeutic tool.This episode is a deep dive into the healing potential of the ocean and the growing movement to position surfing as a pathway toward wellness, resilience, and accessible care. Sound bites: "Surfing could be a powerful tool for prevention, healing, and equity.""During a surf session, the energy expenditure is quite vigorous.""The ocean helps us do a reset, physically and mentally."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Surfing as Medicine02:55 Personal Connection to Surfing05:22 Inspiration for Surf Research07:58 Research Overview and Methodology10:50 Findings on Energy Expenditure in Surfing13:15 Comparing Surfing to Other Physical Activities15:52 The Psychological Benefits of Surfing18:47 Implications for Public Health21:31 Future Directions in Surf Research27:43 Research Methodology in Surfing Studies30:44 Expanding the Scope of Surfing Research32:32 Surfing as a Prescription for Wellbeing35:48 Debunking Myths About Surfing and Health43:41 Personal Insights on Surfing Preferences49:38 The Future of Surf Therapy and Community Engagement resourcesBlue Mind by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols - https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Mind-Surprising-Healthier-Connected/dp/0316252115International Surf Therapy Organization - https://intlsurftherapy.org/Dr. Jamie Marshall - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-marshall-a9b755112/Surf Lab at Edinburgh Napier University - https://surflab.ac/Damaris Morales - Surf Health Research - https://damarismorales-surfhealth.comGuest Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damarismorales/Website - https://damarismorales-surfhealth.com