Blue Health & Me
@ImageCabin | Lara Tang | The Wave
By Lara Tang
I’d longed to become a surfer ever since I was 13 and first saw the inspirational movie Soul Surfer. 13-14 year old me was struggling a lot with bullying and her mental health and longed to surf.
I would daydream about duck-diving 6-foot sets and carving turns on clean, crystal blue wave faces. Yet, due to being a bit distanced from the ocean, I couldn’t start learning to surf until I was 18.
Everything changed when in 2019 a WaveGarden (surf lake) opened locally to me – a dream come true! I was already aware of WaveGarden and couldn’t believe my luck. I was subsequently able to surf consistently and progress my ability, feeling like a new and happier version of myself now that I could surf frequently and in such a great atmosphere. While I was still struggling mentally, learning to surf provided me with excitement, a reason to exercise, a community, and, importantly, goals to work towards.
“Even when I’m dealing with hard things, a surf session always makes me feel invigorated and happy… This is ‘blue health”.
The experience so far has been both humbling and empowering. The process is always teaching me new things that aren’t just about surfing. The ‘bad’ sessions have taught me that the lows are worth it for the highs if you’re passionate about something.
@ImageCabin | Lara Tang | The Wave
The fleeting ride taught me to enjoy the present moment – it’s happening. And the wipeouts taught me that perseverance is key to progression (besides, even the best surfers stack it once in a while).
Even when I’m dealing with hard things, a surf session always makes me feel invigorated and happy. This is ‘blue health’. Nothing washes away stress like waves, and in the peaks and troughs of life, surfing is a great way to find peace and joy.
Lara Tang | HCSC Member
I first met Lara in 2019 when I was volunteering as a Surf Mentor for the Wave Project. During lockdown, Lara was very generous and kind with her time supporting young adults and children creating care packages for those that were struggling with their mental health and wellbeing through the pandemic, with each care package being made to meet individual needs.
Lara raised funds via GoFundMe to purchase the contents for the care packages. I’ve only ever known Lara to be open and positive in sharing her own personal journey with her mental health struggles in order to support her peers, young adults and children in seeking help & support… An inspiration for all.
Simon Wears | HCSC Founder
