Who is it for?

At-risk Youth

HaGal Sheli’s (My Wave) foundation is built on programming designed for youth ages 12 to 18 who have fallen out of the education system or come from unstable family environments. Through the power of the sea, HaGal Sheli helps at-risk youth develop confidence and essential life skills. Programming is based on psychoeducational methods that foster group roles, stages of sharing, and communication that unites people. This program has had a profound and lasting impact on participants’ lives for over a decade.

In a series of group meetings, participants grow and learn how to overcome life’s challenges – embracing failures and successes, adapting to changing sea conditions, setting goals, persevering, and committing to their personal growth. The program’s multi-year, multi-stage development process enables participants to continue as instructors, serving as inspirations and mentors to new participants.

Security Forces

We offer essential support to individuals of all ages from some of the hardest-hit communities by the war.

Our participants include those displaced from the Gaza Envelope and northern communities. Through group surfing sessions, we combine physical activity with structured emotional processing to help participants release pent-up emotions and start their healing journey from trauma.

Communities Displaced by the Iron Swords War

We offer essential support to individuals of all ages from some of the hardest-hit communities by the war. Our participants include those displaced from the Gaza Envelope and northern communities. Through group surfing sessions, we combine physical activity with structured emotional processing to help participants release pent-up emotions and start their healing journey from trauma.

Survivors of the Nova Festival and Parties

In response to the events of October 7th, we have opened a dedicated surf therapy center at Izun Herzliya Arena for survivors of the Nova Festival and other parties. In response to the events of October 7th, we have opened a dedicated surf therapy center at Izun Herzliya Arena for survivors of the Nova Festival and other parties. We invite the Nova Festival and party communities to join us in the open air for a process that combines body and mind, aiding in spontaneous healing from trauma. This intimate group setting provides a supportive and empowering environment where emotional processing is guided by expert facilitators and therapists.

Special Smiles

Participants in the Special Smiles program often face challenges such as difficulty understanding social situations, forming relationships, fear of new experiences, and feelings of helplessness. Our unique model allows them to adjust to the sea and activities at their own pace, helping them build confidence and trust in themselves and the group. Over the years, we’ve developed effective educational tools that assist them in expressing, identifying, and translating their emotions, both to themselves and those around them. We believe that combining empowering experiences with unique tools for emotional development can have a meaningful impact on youth on the spectrum, helping them better navigate life’s challenges.

Individuals With Disabilities

In collaboration with the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense, we work with groups of disabled IDF veterans, youth with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and other individuals with disabilities. With the support of a large team of instructors and specialized equipment, we make surfing accessible to people with various disabilities. We structure our activities to blend physical elements with therapeutic emotional discourse, strengthening our participant’s mental resilience and ability to face challenges.