Waves of Recovery: Making Waves of Change

At Waves of Recovery, we believe in the transformative power of the ocean. Founded in 2022 by Ryan Carpenter and Sophie Pyne, Waves of Recovery was born out of their personal journeys of healing, recovery, and connection through surfing. Both Ryan and Sophie experienced firsthand how the waves can mend not just the body but also the spirit. Their vision was to create a safe, inclusive space where others could discover this same healing and transformation.

Our Mission

We are committed to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys—whether they are healing from addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges—by integrating the therapeutic benefits of surfing and community connection. Through surf therapy programs, private coaching, and free Community Surf Days, we aim to provide a holistic approach to wellness that fosters resilience, empowerment, and hope.

Our Founders’ Journey

Ryan Carpenter, co-founder and Chairman of the Board, grew up surfing in the South Bay. After struggling with addiction, Ryan found recovery in 2015 and reconnected with the ocean, which became a cornerstone of his healing. Now a full-time surf coach and sober mentor, Ryan is passionate about sharing the transformative power of surfing with others in recovery.

Sophie Pyne, co-founder and Executive Director, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with nearly a decade of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. After finding her own path to sobriety, Sophie discovered surfing and the profound sense of healing it brought. She has since dedicated her career to integrating water-based therapy into traditional mental health practices, training others in her Ocean Healing & Therapy Program, and leading Waves of Recovery. Together, Ryan and Sophie have not only built this organization but also a life together.

Our Impact So Far

This summer alone we hosted dozens of free Community Surf Days to make the ocean accessible to all. The majority of our participants had never even held a surfboard before and were able to ride a wave on their own before the summer was over.
Helped participants in recovery from over 10 treatment centers and sober houses learn to surf, connecting them with the healing power of the waves.
Provided private surf therapy and coaching sessions tailored to individual needs.

Why We Need Your Support

This holiday season, we’re launching our 12 Days of Surf Therapy Campaign to raise $10,000 to:

Launch our High School Surf Therapy Program in 2025, introducing young people to the benefits of surfing and recovery work.
Continue our free Community Surf Days to provide safe, healing experiences for everyone.
Expand our reach to bring more people into the water, fostering connection and community.

Your donation will directly support program costs like surfboards, wetsuits, transportation, and certified coaching and therapy staff.

How You Can Help

Each day of the 12 Days of Surf Therapy, we’ll share a special story or spotlight from our community, highlighting the lives changed through your support. Every donation you make will enter you into a daily raffle to win amazing prizes generously donated by our incredible partners:

Daily Raffle Prizes

Blue Mind Book & Blue Marble – A beautiful reminder of the connection between water and mental health.
Kassia Surf Wax – Keep your board ready for action with this surfer-favorite wax.
Lasso Surfboard Leash – Stay safe in the surf with this high-quality leash.
Feeling Swell Swag – Bring positive vibes everywhere you go with this fun merch.
Pause Float Therapy Gift Card – Experience deep relaxation with a sensory deprivation float.
Happy Thoughts Notebook – Capture your dreams, reflections, and moments of gratitude.
Skatie Bikini or Sweater Set – Stylish, sustainable surfwear to take you from waves to the shore.
Saba Surf Gift Card – Gear up for your next surf adventure with Saba Surf.
Leisure Hydration 12-Pack – Refresh your body and mind with these hydrating beverages.
Avasol Sunscreen – Protect your skin with eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen.
Kassia Wetsuit – Stay warm and stylish with a premium wetsuit from Kassia.
Global Surf Industries Surfboard – The ultimate prize for one lucky donor to hit the waves in style!

Your Donation Makes Waves

Here’s how your support directly impacts our programs:

$25: Covers surf wax and sunscreen for one participant.
$100: Funds professional coaches for a Community Surf Day.
$250: Provides a surfboard and wetsuit for a new participant.
$500: Covers an entire day of High School Surf Therapy programming.

Join the Movement

🌊 Donate Today: Your gift helps change lives, one wave at a time.
🌟 Follow Along: Watch the stories and updates on Instagram during our countdown.
🎁 Win Big: Enter the daily raffle with every donation and take home incredible prizes!

Every dollar you give goes toward helping someone rediscover themselves, their strength, and their joy through surfing. Together, we can create waves of recovery, hope, and resilience that will ripple for years to come.

Thank you for being part of this movement. With your help, we can continue to spread the stoke, transform lives, and make the ocean a place of healing for all.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable. Donate now and help us spread the stoke!

12 DAYS OF SURF THERAPY

A Holiday Countdown to Healing.

Team Members