‘Get Up. Stand Up.’ Riding to resilience on a surfboard

Abstract

ABSTRACTGovernment policies sanctioning the systematic removal of Australian Aboriginal children from their families ended in the 1970s. However, trauma associated with removal remains active in the present day for those removed and their offspring, contributing to the pernicious interlinked set of health and social problems afflicting most Aboriginal communities. Child abuse and neglect are an important avenue of inter‐generational transmission of trauma leaving many Aboriginal children challenge‐averse and vulnerable to social disadvantage, substance abuse and mental health problems in later life. Child protection and health services have a poor record engaging and providing effective interventions to Aboriginal Australians. Sunset Surfers is a learn‐to‐surf programme targeting a disadvantaged urban neighbourhood with a high proportion of Aboriginal families. Qualitative evaluation shows that participants experienced positive effect associated with the challenging activity of learning to surf, allowing for reframing of children's negative beliefs about challenge. By providing an appropriate balance of challenge and support, and encouraging physical activity, Sunset Surfers represents a holistic, preventative approach to a pernicious array of social and health problems.