Indi Ward - Surfing, Skating and Mental Health

“Surfing and skating are a way of life for me”

I have always loved being outdoors in nature, especially at the beach. I started skating and surfing when I was 4 years old. I was lucky my dad was a surfer and skater who could teach me all he knows. Being on my boards helps me mentally deal with the pressures of the school environment and chaos of everyday life. I struggle to focus in these noisy environments and they make me feel trapped. 

When I am out surfing and listening to the sound of the waves it makes me feel calm, at peace and focussed on being just me. It’s the same for skateboarding and the movements I’m in control of and the feeling of my wheels rolling along the floor. Surfing and skating are both empowering activities that make me feel stronger, confident and in control of my life. 

Being a girl who is into surfing and skateboarding is not the usual girl sports. However, these sports have helped me gain some great friends who understand my love for being on a board. If a boy or a girl asked me if they should give it a go I would say “do it and follow your dreams”. 

The only thing that I find upsetting when I’m at the beach is the impact we are having on the environment from pollution and rubbish.

Please take care of our beaches.