The mental and physical wellbeing benefits of surfing for people aged over 50 have been highlighted this week.
The ‘Ocean Therapy’ project, set up by Phil Owen from Swansea, was featured by BBC Wales in an article which explained how the programme is helping to tackle "damaging" ageing stereotypes.
Phil, 57, created the scheme when he was struggling with his own mental health. He said surfing helped him while he was off work with depression and wanted to share the benefits with others who were over 50.
"People aged 50 are just as active or can be just as active as anyone else," he told the BBC.
"People talk about mindfulness and being in flow state, and it's when you're in the water and surfing, you're only thinking of paddling those waves.
"You're just totally in the zone focusing on surfing, and research shows that doing that, while learning a new skills is hugely beneficial for people's sense of wellbeing."
He added: "I think the fact that I'm over 50 helps new people to feel less intimidated, because if I was in my 20s it would be a bit more daunting to try something like this."
