Ocean Therapy
Ocean Therapy connects people struggling with mental, physical and emotional distress and disability to the natural healing power of the ocean and water sports with a professional guide.
Ocean Therapy for Chronic Pain
August 2026!
8-Week Group Starts August 7th Sign up for Free Consult!
Our ocean therapy program returns! Our preliminary evidence with our research study Project Stoke showed a 50% decrease in pain after getting out of the water. These groups are designed for those suffering from chronic pain and invislible illnesses and focuses on bringing a space together for those to share, witness, and experience the ocean through surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, and splashing. Our founder, Tracey Chester, adapted the program from the Groundswell Community Project, to meet the specific needs of those suffering from chronic pain. Whether you dip your toes in the water, or stand up on a surf board, our professional therapists and ocean safety volunteers. Surf Trauma Certified clinicians will be on site to help support you with any physical limitations you may pose.
There are many different types of chronic pain we accept for this group. The most common we have treated include: pain related to EDS, Lyme Disease, back pain, knee pain, joint inflammation, headaches/migraines, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, and others. If you have a chronic pain not listed, and are interested in the group, please contact us to determine your eligibility! In some cases, we offer scholarships to waive copays
Costa Rica Retreat!
April 4th - April 11th, 2026
Surf Synergy Resort
Jaco, Costa Rica
Join Tracey Chester, LMFT and Natalie Small, LMFT for Surf Synergy’s First Surf Therapy Retreat!
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time surfing or your 50th: Surf Synergy’s week-long programs are designed to meet you at your level. All stays come with five private lessons and video analysis, so you really have an opportunity to improve your stance and build on your beginner or advanced board skills. While surfing (and stand-up paddleboarding, a.k.a. SUP) are the Costa Rican retreat’s main beats, Surf Synergy also offers other complimentary health and wellness activities to up your game off the board, which is not the case at all surf-centric camps. Yoga (five classes), ice bath therapy, a breathwork training session, and bodywork are all part of the experience. Add to this list freshly opened coconuts on demand, a chance to hang with surf pros, boho-chic accommodations, and the absence of televisions to foster a deeper connection with nature and one’s self in the present moment, and it’s hard to picture a better place to hang 10.
Our Facilitators
Tracey Chester is our founder and expert in chronic pain and illness. She conducted a joint prellimary study with USC called Project Stoke, where initial results showed a significant decrease in pain and isolation. She is excited to continue to collect data with our new upcoming groups. Tracey earned a certificate for surf instruction with AMPSURF, which serves the disabled community.
Natalie Small, LMFT is a leader and creator in the world of Surf Therapy. She created Groundswell Community Project where her work has been and continues to be replicated world wide. This curriculum has been adapted for the chronic pain group. In addition Natalie is a sailing captain and an expert in art, play and somatic therapy.
Pain Trauma Institute is a Wave of Excellence Partner with Groundswell Community Project , where Natalie Small created the gold standard for surf therapy models. Together we hold spaces together, adapt the surf therapy model for chronic pain, and we are together working with USC, as part of Project Stoke
