Waves of Recovery

What Waves of Recovery does

Waves of Recovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (IRS EIN 88-2121181) founded in 2022 and headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California. The organization provides surf therapy programs, retreats, and community events for individuals recovering from mental health and substance use challenges. Co-founded by Ryan Carpenter (Chairman of the Board and head Surf Coach) and Sophie Pyne (Executive Director and licensed clinical social worker), Waves of Recovery integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, and trauma-informed care — with surf instruction in ocean environments. Programs include one-on-one individual surf therapy sessions, a 6-week structured group therapy program, and immersive 3-night retreats at Waco Surf. The organization also runs a professional certification program (The Ocean Healing & Therapy Program) and free community events including the Summer Surf Series and beach cleanups. Operations span six beach locations across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego counties.

The organization's core technology is a proprietary integrated methodology combining clinical counseling with experiential surf coaching, supported by credentialed staff (ACSW clinicians and certified surf coaches, several with personal recovery backgrounds). Its products are delivered in-person at beaches or designated retreat venues, with bookings handled through Acuity Scheduling and RSVPs via Google Forms and Eventbrite. There is no software platform, mobile app, or API product; delivery is fundamentally a human-led service. The organization maintains a board of directors including Chris Kirby (behavioral health specialist), Lauren Weisbarth (Board Secretary, education/learning officer), and Lucas Brown (founder of Golden Gate Recovery).

Waves of Recovery monetizes through a hybrid nonprofit revenue model: individual and corporate donations fund scholarships and free community events; sliding-scale program fees generate revenue from individual sessions and the 6-week group program; some surf therapy sessions may be reimbursed by insurance providers via superbills issued to clients; and corporate sponsorships from surf and wellness brands (Billabong, Wavestorm, Stormblade, Avasol, Global Surf, CorePower Yoga, Athleta) provide monetary support, gear donations, and in-kind contributions. The go-to-market approach is community-led and event-driven, anchored by partnerships with mental health treatment centers and sober livings across Southern California (Mental Health Collective, Resolutions Therapeutic Services, The Meadows, Refine Recovery, Oak Forest Recovery, Bodhi Casa, Lifesync Malibu) that serve as referral channels, supplemented by free community events, Instagram content, and word-of-mouth within the recovery community.

Name

Waves of Recovery

Legal name

Waves of Recovery Inc

Website

https://wavesofrecovery.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Waves of Recovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 that delivers surf therapy programs, retreats, and community events integrating CBT, DBT, and mindfulness with ocean-based healing for individuals in mental health and addiction recovery across Southern California.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Peer Support, Recovery Coaching & Sober Living Services (HLAFACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Surf Schools & Surf Camps (THAAAKAC), Aquatic Physical Therapy & Hydrotherapy (HSADAIAL), Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction Support Services (BPAGAEAO)

Keywords

• Surf therapy
• Addiction recovery
• Mental health support
• Experiential therapy
• Wellness programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Manhattan Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and corporate donations support scholarships for participants, free weekly community events, and program operations. The organization accepts gear donations and encourages fundraising activities by supporters.
2. Program Fees: Revenue from paid surf therapy programs including individual sessions and the 6-week group therapy program. Sliding scale pricing available to ensure accessibility.
3. Insurance Reimbursement: Surf therapy sessions may be reimbursed by some insurance providers. Superbills are provided to clients for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships with surf industry brands and businesses providing monetary sponsorships, gear donations, and in-kind support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Waves of Recovery delivers ocean-based surf therapy programs that integrate evidence-based therapeutic practices (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness) with personalized surf instruction. The organization serves individuals recovering from addiction and mental health challenges through one-on-one sessions, a structured 6-week group therapy program, multi-day sober surf retreats, and dedicated group programs for treatment centers and sober livings in Southern California.

Product overview

Waves of Recovery is a nonprofit surf therapy organization offering a multi-tiered portfolio of ocean-based mental health and recovery programs. The core offerings include: (1) Surf Therapy for Individuals — one-on-one sessions combining surf instruction with trauma-informed therapeutic support using evidence-based modalities; (2) Surf Therapy for Treatment Centers & Sober Livings — group programs for treatment facilities; (3) 6 Week Surf Therapy Program — structured group therapy combining ocean immersion with mental health tools; and (4) Surf Retreats — immersive 3-night retreats at Waco Surf with video analysis and recovery programming. Supporting offerings include The Ocean Healing & Therapy Program (a 3-month professional certification), free Summer Surf Series community sessions, Community Events (beach cleanups, paddle outs, mindfulness gatherings), and Waves of Recovery Professionals Day networking events. All programs provide equipment (wetsuits, surfboards, leashes), integrate mindfulness and therapeutic dialogue, and operate across beaches in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Ocean Healing & Therapy Program: A 3-month certification program that trains individuals to integrate water into their therapeutic work, founded by Sophie Pyne.

Products and services

• Surf Therapy for Individuals One-on-one 60-minute surf therapy sessions combining personalized surf instruction with trauma-informed therapeutic support, integrating evidence-based practices such as Mindfulness, CBT, and DBT. Includes pre-session phone consultation, breathwork, grounding techniques, ocean mindfulness, equipment, and clinical documentation. Available at Venice Beach, El Porto, Santa Monica Ocean Park, Topaz/Sapphire in Redondo Beach, Orange County, and San Diego locations.
• 6-Week Surf Therapy Program Structured 6-week group therapy program combining ocean immersion with group therapy. Participants cultivate empowerment and resilience, process emotions, develop coping strategies, and join a supportive community of like-minded surfers. Pricing details available upon email inquiry.
• Surf Therapy for Treatment Centers & Sober Livings Group surf therapy programs designed for mental health and substance use treatment centers and sober livings in Southern California. Includes structured weekly or bi-weekly sessions, customized workshops, retreats, professional counseling integrated into existing treatment modalities, and clinical documentation in EMR for institutional clients.
• Surf Retreats Sober surf retreats held at Waco Surf offering a 3-night immersive experience with daily private group surf sessions, video review and analysis, recovery circles, fellowship, fireside chats, meditation, yoga, sound healing, ice baths, and jacuzzi. Limited to 9 participants.
• Summer Surf Series Free weekly community surf sessions held every Sunday during summer months at Topaz Beach in Redondo Beach. All skill levels welcome with boards and wetsuits provided.
• Community Events Free monthly community events including beach cleanups, surf workshops, mindfulness sessions, yoga, paddle-outs, and Surf & Sobriety gatherings. Open to all community members and recovery organizations.
• The Ocean Healing & Therapy Program A 3-month certification program that trains professionals to integrate water into their therapeutic work. Founded by Sophie Pyne, the program provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to incorporate ocean-based healing modalities into their clinical practice.
• Waves of Recovery Professionals Day Networking event for professionals in the recovery and mental health community to connect, drop into their Blue Mind, and network on the beach. Hosted in partnership with Refine Recovery.

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants report increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and improved mental health outcomes through testimonial feedback
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Waco SurfcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Collaborative partner for surf retreat programming. Waco Surf hosts Waves of Recovery retreats providing venue, accommodation, and surf facilities for multi-day immersive recovery experiences. Partnership enables advanced surf programming in controlled inland surf environment.
• AvasolminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGear donation sponsor providing surf-related products. Part of corporate sponsorship program supporting Waves of Recovery's mission.
• BillabongminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSurf industry partner providing gear donations and brand support for Waves of Recovery programs.
• The PhoenixcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecovery organization co-hosting events including Ocean Plunge & Bonfire. Partnership provides event support and connects Waves of Recovery with broader recovery community.
• Kassia MeadorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional surfer and sound healer co-hosting retreats and events. Contributes meditation, yoga, sound healing components to programming. Partnership elevates program quality and brand visibility.
• Mental Health CollectivemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health treatment provider referral partner. Collaborates on client surf therapy programming for individuals in treatment.
• Resolutions Therapeutic ServicesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTreatment center partner receiving surf therapy services for clients. Provides ongoing referral stream and program integration.
• The MeadowsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium treatment center partner integrating surf therapy into their programs. Partnership connects Waves of Recovery with high-end treatment market.
• Academics AnonymouscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSober living at USC founded by co-founder Sophie Pyne. Historical partnership providing surf therapy to young adult recovery community.
• Bodhi CasaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTreatment center partner receiving surf therapy services. Part of Southern California treatment center network.
• StormblademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerGear sponsor providing surf equipment donations. Part of product sponsorship program.
• WavestormminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSurfboard manufacturer sponsor providing equipment donations. Supports program accessibility through gear provision.
• CorePower YogaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWellness brand partner providing support and potentially yoga programming components.
• Global SurfminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSurf industry partner supporting Waves of Recovery mission through sponsorship.
• Refine RecoverymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTreatment center partner hosting Waves of Recovery Professionals Day networking event. Active referral partner.
• Oak Forest RecoverymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTreatment center partner co-hosting Surf & Sobriety community events. Active in providing participants and event support.
• Grace HouseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSober living sponsor supporting Surf & Sobriety events through donations and participant referrals.
• Lifesync MalibuminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTreatment center sponsor for community events. Provides participant referrals and event sponsorship.
• Rise and Recover HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealth-focused partner sponsoring community surf events. Supports recovery community programming.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Waco Surf: A controlled inland surf venue in Texas that hosts Waves of Recovery's sober surf retreats — comparable as a strategic venue/ecosystem partner enabling the organization's multi-day programming outside of ocean conditions.
• Surfrider Foundation: A large nonprofit focused on beach access, clean water, and coastal preservation — adjacent to Waves of Recovery in surf culture and beach ecosystem, though not in recovery services; comparable as a surf-identity nonprofit brand.
• Mental Health Collective: A mental health treatment provider that partners with Waves of Recovery on surf therapy referrals — comparable as an ecosystem participant in the Southern California mental health and recovery services market.

Direct peers

• The Phoenix: The Phoenix is a national nonprofit sober active community that uses sports and physical activity (climbing, running, swimming, yoga) to support people in recovery — directly comparable to Waves of Recovery's activity-based peer recovery model, and an existing event co-host.
• Project Koru: Project Koru delivers surf and outdoor adventure therapy retreats for young adult cancer survivors using a structured multi-week program model — closely comparable therapeutic-surf modality and structured program design even though the target population differs.
• Adventure 2 Recovery: A nonprofit using outdoor adventure experiences (surfing, hiking, camping) to support veterans and first responders in mental health and recovery — closely comparable activity-based therapy model and veteran/recovery population overlap.
• OneWave: OneWave is an Australian nonprofit that runs surf therapy events and Fluro Fridays for people dealing with mental health challenges — highly comparable mission, modality (surf), and community-event-driven model to Waves of Recovery.

Broad incumbents

• The Meadows: A large, premium inpatient behavioral health treatment center in Arizona that integrates Waves of Recovery's surf therapy as an adjunct program — comparable as a buyer/channel partner and as a broader behavioral health provider in the same recovery category.
• Refine Recovery: A Southern California treatment provider that co-hosts Waves of Recovery's Professionals Day and is an active referral partner — comparable as a behavioral health treatment operator serving overlapping recovery populations in the same geography.

Emerging players

• Brother, I'm Dying: A nonprofit using surfing and outdoor adventure to support men in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges — overlapping target population and modality (surf therapy, recovery community) with Waves of Recovery, at a smaller scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/wavesofrecoveryinc
• Facebookfacebook.com/wavesofrecoveryinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waves-of-recovery

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Waves of Recovery