The International Surf Therapy Organization’s (ISTO) inaugural annual global conference promises an unprecedented experience for the surf therapy community and is taking place in Edinburgh, from 22 to 26 October 2025!

Workshops

This year, the conference will feature three workshop days hosted at the Lost Shore Surf Resort’s cutting-edge wave pool, providing a unique hands-on learning and collaboration environment. 

These workshop days will be filled with practitioner breakout sessions, where surf therapy professionals worldwide can dive deep into best practices, share insights, and participate in the most relevant, impactful workshops tailored to the needs of surf therapy practitioners. This immersive setting fosters networking, skill development, and the exchange of ideas that drive the growth of the sector.

Academic Conference 

Following the dynamic workshop sessions, the conference will culminate in two days of presentations at Edinburgh Napier University's Sighthill Campus, from 25 to 26 October 2025, marking the first-ever academic setting for the event. These presentations will be delivered by leading researchers, scientists, and professors in surf therapy, offering attendees the latest findings and insights from the cutting edge of mental health and surf therapy research. 

This year’s theme, Beyond Surfing, encourages participants to examine how surf therapy intersects with broader paradigms - ranging from physical activity and sport modalities to community psychology and lifestyle psychiatry. The summit welcomes diverse methodologies, disciplines, populations, and geographies, fostering dialogue that pushes the boundaries of surf therapy and its implications for wider domains of health and well-being.

You can look forward to exciting keynote presentations by Dr. Simon Rosenbaum, a leading voice in exercise and mental health, and Dr. Easkey Britton, renowned for her work on ocean and human health, gender, and social transformation. Their contributions promise to inspire and challenge attendees to push the boundaries of surf therapy research and practice.

The blend of practical, hands-on workshops and in-depth academic discussions creates a comprehensive learning experience. The conference elevates the practice of surf therapy and deepens its academic foundation, advancing the field globally.

Register here >

Making Waves: The Future of Surf Science and Collaboration

The Surf Lab is a pioneering research partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and Lost Shore Surf Resort and will officially launch at the Lost Shore Surf Resort on Monday 27 October 2025. 

The Surf Lab brings together researchers, students, athletes, and industry leaders to explore how surfing can drive better health, stronger communities, and innovation across sport, tourism, and sustainability.

This launch event is by invitation only, however, if you work or have research interests in this field, please get in touch to express your interest in attending by emailing innovation@napier.ac.uk

Find out more here >