Who is it aimed at?
We provide sessions for anyone living with disabilities, conditions or mental health struggles. We are happy to accept children who are pre-diagnosis. We only accept children who are 4 years old and above.
How much do sessions cost?
Healing Waves is a registered charity and our service is free of charge. We run purely on donations, and we gratefully accept any support you can offer to help safeguard our future.
Is it safe?
We strongly advocate a positive risk-taking model for all individuals despite their disabilities or conditions. We work to reduce barriers to ensure anyone can participate in water sports activities. Yes, all water-based sports carry a certain level of risk, but we do everything within our power to ensure the safety of all our service users.
Athletes are all partnered on a minimum ratio of 1:1. We seek to offer 2:1 when required. Our adaptive board users are required to wear life vests and helmets and have a minimum ratio of 4:1.
Healing Waves is fully insured and has all the relevant documentation in place, with thorough risk assessing of our activities. We are dedicated to keeping Athletes safe, and our staff team has undergone extensive training from beach lifeguarding to safeguarding.
All service users will sign in and out of their sessions and the care of our team at the beginning and end of each session. All Athletes are required to wear lifejackets.
How do I book?
We would love to have you join us! Please click on the Athlete registration link on our registration page, to create a unique username/account for each Athlete. The same email can be used for multiple individuals, however they do need their own username. Once completed please log in to each profile to complete their Athlete information form. Please take your time to answer all the questions.
We kindly ask that you then send us a direct follow up email at healingwavesoceantherapy@gmail.com
We will respond with the Waiver, Sharing of Athlete Information agreement and Image Consent forms.
Why do I need to sign these documents?
These Waivers are a legal requirement for participation at a Healing Waves session. You do not have to give image consent. However, we often have highly skilled photographers who provide us with amazing memories free of charge. Please read the Waiver carefully before signing.
What do I do if I lose my password?
Please go to your login page and click the link ‘Forgot your username or password’ and follow the steps. If this doesn’t work, send us an email and we can reset it for you.
Will our information be kept confidential?
Yes – all information provided will be kept completely confidential and stored in accordance with GDPR data protection laws and legislation. If you decide that you do not wish to access our service again please notify us, and we can either return any documentation to you or arrange for it to be destroyed in a secure and appropriate fashion.
Will I or my loved one be rejected?
Healing Waves is a fully inclusive service and we try our utmost to accommodate everyone, no matter their level of need. Our team will do everything within its power to make your session possible. Please provide as much information as possible during both your website registration and your RSVP for each event, so that we can be certain to accommodate any special needs.
We have not yet turned anyone away, so please be as honest as possible in your client information forms, as it helps us support you and your needs to the best of our abilities.
Do we accept Athletes with cancer or other illnesses?
Absolutely. Healing Waves welcomes any individuals with any illness or obstacle who can benefit from spending time in the ocean with our highly trained and experienced team.
My Athlete can’t swim – is that OK?
Not a problem! All Athletes are partnered on a 1:1 ratio and are required to wear life vests. Our teams are specially trained to manage all variables, and rest assured that we will do everything we can to attend to any Athlete in our care.
What typically happens at a HW session/event?
Your welcome/confirmation email will provide you with all the information required including a link to our animation of Gus the Gecko.
From the moment you arrive, expect to have any worries put at ease and be ready to have fun. Our team will welcome you and assist with carrying your beach gear, getting you signed in, and making sure your liability waivers have been signed.
Then it is usually time to introduce your Athlete to their Surf Therapy Instructors and get them fitted into a wetsuit and life vest.
Our team is well versed in familiarising Athletes with what to expect in the water, providing the opportunity to surf multiple waves and celebrating your Athlete’s accomplishment. At events there is typically a group trophy ceremony offering plenty of high fives, smiles and positive vibes.
Can we access more than once?
Yes. We have a large Athlete list comprising hundreds of families, and run multiple programs, but we will do our best to get your Athlete to a number of sessions each year. Should personal circumstances mean that you feel accessing more sessions would be beneficial then we can look at arranging this for you.
Where are sessions held?
Please go to the services page to find out more information. HW runs sessions from multiple locations in Jersey including our Surf Therapy Centre at Le Braye, St Brelade’s Bay and the Merton Aquadome. Your specific session location will be detailed in your confirmation email.
How do we get to you?
No matter where your session is located, there are multiple ways you can get to us.
Liberty Bus runs regular services to all our locations, and you can visit their online timetable here. There are also multiple taxi options in Jersey. Our Surf Therapy Centre location can be found on Google Maps with a quick search.
Can additional family members or carers join in the water?
For beach sessions we prefer families to allow our team to work their magic with each Athlete. However we do ask that you please come down to cheer them on and be part of the positive vibes. We know that sessions can benefit siblings and help to strengthen family bonds, so we do offer summer and winter sessions for parents/carers and siblings. Please let us know once you have registered if you would be interested in these.
For FlowRider sessions, parents/guardians and siblings are welcome to access the pool and sometimes even the FlowRider.
I want to become a Healing Waves Volunteer?
Anyone wishing to become a Volunteer for Healing Waves should go to the register page, read the information provided and then send us a direct email.
We select our Volunteers carefully, and we do ask that anyone applying ideally has experience in care or surf. However, this is not always necessary for the right applicant. All aspiring Volunteers must be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check and induction.
How do I get in touch?
To speak to one of us directly or to find out more, please ‘message’ us directly on our Facebook page or go to the contact page on this website for our email or postal address.
I would like to donate?
Please go to the donation page on our website for more information on how you can support our cause.
I have a product or service I’d like to offer Healing Waves?
We welcome in-kind donations that help offset the cost of our services or help to improve our offerings. A number of individuals and organisations already support us in this way and have become charity partners. To discuss this further please email: healingwavesoceantherapy@gmail.com
I have a question that wasn’t addressed in these FAQ’s. How do I contact HW for an answer to my enquiry?
Please email healingwavesoceantherapy@gmail.com
