Surf for the Soul helps traumatized youth find healing through surfing

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – On Oahu’s north shore, two dozen keiki and their families gathered for surfing lessons Saturday.

But they learned much more.

During the “Surf for the Soul” event at Puaena Point Beach Park, professional surfer Billy Choi taught youngsters how to stand on a board and, more importantly, how to get up if they fall.

He says surfing is a great tool and coping mechanism.

“Just as life throws waves of these constant forces at you, whether they are positive or negative. But it’s up to us to navigate them, chart a course and set the sails,” said Choi, who said surfing helped him overcome his personal struggles.

Choi has partnered with the nonprofit Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, which offers free programs and support services to children and their caregivers affected by grief and trauma.

Their experiences include everything from bereavement to suicide, living in foster care, abandonment, and even the incarceration or death of a parent.

Hiro Ito started this event 23 years ago to use the power of the ocean to heal and bring joy to children who have lost so much.

“I want kids to have fun and get healthy by having fun,” Ito said. “When they are on land they are angry, but when they come out after surfing they are calm and relaxed.”

Volunteers and sponsors organize the event at least four times a year.

Seven Brothers and Banzai Sushi donated food, and North Shore Surf Shop provided boards. Families say such programs help with their healing.

“I go out and experience life. It’s pretty fun,” said 13-year-old Seth.

“It makes me feel free, not just sad and lonely. I just feel happy,” said 7-year-old Elizabeth.

Elizabeth “has a lot of trauma symptoms and this is one way for her to get rid of them and feel like herself,” Grandma Suzanne said. “I really appreciate Billy Choi and Kids Hurt Too and all the professionals who helped us because it means a lot to the kids.”

More information can be found on the website kidshurttoo.org.

Mental health resources

Hawaii takes care of the 988: : Local crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text or chat to access resources regarding mental illness, substance use, suicide prevention, and services for children and youth.

Call or text 988 to be connected to someone who can help you in a difficult moment.
Call Hawaii CARES directly at (808)832-3100 or toll-free at 1-800-753-6879 for emotional support.
Chat on Crisis Helpline website.

Maui Nui Strong Mental Health Resources: For direct links to mental health resources collected by Maui County, click Here.

Disaster relief hotline: : Call or text the disaster relief hotline at 1-800-985-5990 for immediate mental health help and support (press “2” for Spanish).

For deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers: To connect directly with an agent using American Sign Language, click the button “Now ASL” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DOH Maui Community Mental Health Center (CMHC): The Maui State Department of Health Community Mental Health Center is offering crisis mental health services and extended hours of operation to those experiencing emotional or mental distress as a result of the Maui wildfires.

For emergency services, contact Maui CMHC at (808) 984-2150 or by email at [email protected].
You can also go to the walk-in clinic at 121 Mahalani Street in Wailuku. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 16:30. After business hours: Contact Hawaii CARES to speak with a crisis counselor at (808)832-3100 or call 988.

Hazel’s health: In partnership with the state Department of Education, Hazel Health ensures all students have access to high-quality health care services, free for families this school year. The school health representative can initiate a video visit with a licensed Hazel Health therapist while your child is at school. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space, private and confidential.

Hazel’s visits are possible at school during normal school hours.
Hazel at Home services are available Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
To ensure your child has access to this service or to learn more about it, click here.

Xplore Consulting: Xplore Counseling doctors are on standby to help people affected by fire learn to cope with difficult situations.

Make an appointment by calling (808) 941-9648 or scheduling online.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m