HaGal Sheli (Hebrew for “My Wave”) is a UIA supported program that harnesses the transformative power of surfing to help at-risk youth, trauma survivors, and individuals with disabilities build resilience, confidence, and life skills.
The organisation operates 10 educational surf centres along Israel’s coastline – from Nahariya in the North to Ashkelon in the south.
Since being founded in [2014?] HaGal Sheli has become the Israeli model for surf-based therapy and education. The philosophy behind this method of healing from trauma is simple; surfers are forced to make split-second decisions while they face the elements, which reshapes their trauma response, all the while they are bonding with others who have faced similar trauma.
Originally focused on empowering at-risk youth, the organisation has expanded its mission to include trauma recovery, especially in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Through its “Tools from the Waves” program, HaGal Sheli now provides early intervention for thousands of Israelis coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including displaced families, Nova Festival survivors, released hostages, and first responders.
The educational component, known as the “Head-Body-Head” model, integrates theoretical lessons with practical surfing experience. Participants first learn about surfing concepts – head – then apply them in the water – body – and finally reflect on their experiences to draw life lessons – head. When participants get out of the water, the instructors are waiting for them, ready to discuss surfing techniques and coping with trauma while looking towards the future.
By using surfing as a therapeutic method, HaGal Sheli combines physical activity with structured emotional processing, enabling participants to work through trauma in a way that significantly reduces the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Graduates can then progress to become certified HaGal Sheli instructors, creating a cycle of mentorship within the organisation.
HaGal Sheli has demonstrated significant impact with the 3200 participants that experienced the program in 2023 reporting increased self-confidence, improved coping mechanisms, and a stronger sense of community.
Graduates have completed the program.
Communities nationwide have had participants join the program.
80% of participants are Jewish Israelis and 20% are Muslim and Christian Arab participants.
Educational surf centres are now operating across Israel
New centres planned to open by 2027.
Team members, including educators, therapists, and marine professionals.
In response to the October 7 attacks, HaGal Sheli harnessed their ‘Tools from the waves’ surf therapy, swiftly adapting and expanding the program to address acute trauma among war victims. Within weeks, the program welcomed over 1,000 individuals, including displaced residents from the Gaza Envelope and Northern Israel, Nova Festival survivors, released hostages, and security personnel. Today, they proudly collaborate with the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the National Insurance Funds, NATAL, the Israel Resilience Centers, the Israel Trauma Coalition, Kfar Izun, and many military units, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need.
As HaGal Sheli continues to create a ripple effect of healing and empowerment across Israel, your support can help expand these life-changing programs to reach more individuals in need.
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