SUPsquatch Surf Therapy 

A super fun and exciting team building and anti-depresent tool. The SUPsquatch is a giant inflatable Paddleboard measuring 18 feet long and a width to accomodate 6 to 8 people at a time. This is group surf fun at its finest. Together with a cultural context of the environment, its a full experience and group scheduling open to the public.

Catch and ride a wave as a group. With your office crew, homies, work buddies or your class at school.. Now we can ride a wave togther.

SUPsquatch is used to ride waves, run rivers, and also paddles flat water. It was originally adopted by the Hawaiian watermen and women of Oahus west side over a decade ago. The supsquatch is now a legitimate tool in ocean play..saftey and Surf Therapy. 

Ocean and Climate advocacy starts with knowing the ocean and what it is you look to protect. An intimate engagement with the sea should be guided with a safety and cultural protocol.

How SUPsquatch used in our program ?

Supsquatch is the ultimate team builder. Its a safe space for newcomers to experience their first wave with a friend. For savy surfers, its an experience feeling the wave a great new way. With no waves Supsquatch is the perfect place to learn paddling techniques and team work.

The generous size of the board allows it to be a great platform for learning to jump or dive safely as well as observe reef and wild life 

With mental health issues mounting across society, and the dire need to build our physical immunity, health is the priority now more than ever. Surfing and eating well are both highly effective in therapeutic recovery from mental depression, PTSD, and relief from intergenerational trauma. Surf Therapy and its application is now demonstrating data-supported results. See link for more on Surf Therapy.

Native Like Water offers ways to experience the Squatch

Want to  experience the squatch in action ?

1. You and your organization/ school/ office can book the Squatch for the day or design with us a special curriclum. Your curated experience has many uses. It also comes with step by step leadership and assistance by our head instructor Kaliko Kahoonei. Instructor and assistant over sees usage, training and safety.. Surf Therapy Through an Indigenous Lens.

2. Supsquatch Operator Training is also offered to programs looking to add this tool to your programs. Operators training includes : propers inflation and handling /rider safety and paddling / how to steer , lead and catch waves/ flip over recovery / proper etiquette / deflation and storage. This is designed for experienced ocean going folks who have experience with currents, ocean safety, rescue and wave riding.

(Completion includes a discount on purchase of a new SUPsquatch) 

Please contact us for our day rates, reoccurring group rates, scholarships, and special curriculum design.

The Indigenous Lens
Providing cultural context to location, craft, and people

Originally created by Native Hawaiian watermen and women of Oahus west side over a decade ago. It is a modern expression of culture. Archie Kalepa stated it was the modern day canoe. Present day cultural contributions present The Supsquatch. Now a legitimate tool in ocean play, safety, cultural practice and surf therapy. 

For thousands of years Kanaka Māoli have led the charge in surf innovation and beach day fun. The early Hawaiians  would travel island to island by canoe and even searched for surf or food while paddling. As the years rolled on and the technology advanced visitors came from around the world to paddle canoes and surf the long rides of Waikiki. Fast forward to today you will see the influence the early Hawaiians left and their ability to make tools be just as fun as toys. There is still a solid core of Hawaiians innovating while having the most fun possible.

Likewise, in California people fished and rode canoes back into shore among the waves. As Cultural Practitioners, Native Like Water promotes coastal recreation and a refreshed way to look at social, cultural and therapeutic activity.

Please contact us for our day rates, reoccurring group rates,

Latest Research Featured at this years ISTO, International Surf Therapy Organization.
Treating depression in adolescents in a landlocked location through a combined group therapy program that integrates surf therapy

Introduction: Due to the high prevalence of depression among adolescents, effective treatment options need to be evaluated further. Prior research has highlighted the efficacy of physical activity in general in improving depressive symptoms. Recent studies exploring surf therapy as a form of treatment have shown promising results in reducing depressive symptoms among adults and enhancing overall mental well-being in adolescents. However, research in this area remains limited. Our study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a group therapy program that integrates physical activity, including surf therapy, with cognitive behavioral therapy for treating depression in adolescents. Methods: 32 depressed adolescents aged 13-18 years were recruited. In groups of 8 they took part in a 3-month group therapy program. To assess feasibility, the dropout rate was calculated. Change in depressive symptoms was assessed using the CDRS-R as primary outcome measure at baseline, post-program, and 3-month follow-up. Results: Results showed a dropout rate of 9.38% (N = 3). Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced over time (p < .001). Discussion: Findings suggest that the group therapy program is both feasible and effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Further research incorporating control groups is necessary.

• Bettina Hearn, Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Freiburg, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist