It has to be the coolest way of tackling mental health and wellbeing.

In every sense of the word.

Surfing, yoga, social events – and cold water swimming.

Put it all together and you have Resurface.

A not-for-profit Community Interest Company co-founded by Sam Glyn-Jones and Nico Grilo four years ago.

Both had identified the need for a service to help students, in particular, with the deeper wellbeing issues they faced.

Surfing had supported Sam’s health and wellbeing for many years.

And as a surfer and pyschotherapist, Nico was only too familiar with the health benefits.

Sam, 27, said: “Surfing helps you reconnect with nature in a naturally health promoting ‘blue-space’ environment.

“You can experience ‘flow state’ and respite from distress.

“Often members report better sleep, increased confidence, reduced negative thoughts and feelings and improved overall moods.

“You are bobbing around in the water, looking out to sea, breathing in the air with the sunshine on your face.

“You leave your problems on the land, washed away when you step into the water.”

Nico, 32, pictured, believes the process of surfing is symbolic of life.

She said: “In the water you spend one per cent of your time standing up and riding a wave.

“The other 99 per cent is spent paddling, finding a way to get into position and being hit by waves.

“You need to enjoy that struggle.

“The one per cent elation represents the high points of your life, but life feels different when you learn to be mindful and enjoy the other 99 per cent.”

The Resurface programmes run by Sam, Nico and Eve Mansfield have become much more than just surfing.

The introduction of yoga, community social events and cold water swims provides a comprehensive peer support programme for 18 to 30 year olds.

But Resurface also offers courses for people who are 30+ and even under-18 sessions.

Sam, who works at Bournemouth University as its ResLifeBU Officer – heading a team focusing on student experiences, wellbeing and events – said: “You are not coming to Resurface to become a good surfer.

“You are coming to build social connections with likeminded people who have gone through similar experiences.

“You can enjoy all the benefits of the physical activities we provide but can also build a social life around people that are adopting healthier environments.”

A keen advocate of cold water swimming – and a freezing shower every morning – Sam said Resurface’s ‘Rise and Conquer’ sessions were proving a hit.

They involve a dip in the sea followed by ‘The Saltwater Sauna’, an authentic, luxury wood-fired sauna with a panoramic sea-view window which is run by Sam’s partner, Arlene Lukkarinen.

The experience also includes fire pits, music, hot drinks, and trained facilitators.

“It’s designed to help you start the day on a high and I can testify that there’s nothing better,” said Sam.

A year ago, and as part of its Get Set To Go programme, Dorset Mind partnered with Resurface to provide an affordable 12-week course of structured activity aimed at adults aged 30+.

It proved highly popular with all 16 places sold out within a couple of days.

Resurface now offers a 12 week local retreat with beginner level developmental sessions and also a membership club with year-round benefits for people of all ages.

Sam said Resurface planned to grow organically in the future.

He added: “We are very proud of it.

“We believe we’re unique in bringing them together.

“The biggest compliment is that people see us as something cool.

“While the underlying message may be about improving mental health and wellbeing it’s also about being together, enjoying shared experiences and each other other’s company.”

• weareresurface.com