Surf Retreat

JJRT x
Siren Section present:

Therapeutic Surf Retreat

For women, trans, and gender diverse folks in Grand Bend.

Schedule:

10 am Arrival & setup

Morning

Welcome & Intention Setting – introductions, group agreements, and grounding into the day
Nature & Land-Based Practices – connecting with the land, surf history, and exploration of why we are here
Lunch & Midday Rest – shared meal (included) and community time

Afternoon

Body Warm-Up – gentle movement and surf-prep exercises
Surfing Foundations – safety briefing and core skill development
Main Surf Session – guided water practice, group support, and experiential learning
Collective Debrief – reflection through a shared art-making activity
Closing & Farewell – packing up, gratitude circle, and optional takeaway practice

4pm Leave beach

*schedule and activities are subject to change

Covered area
Visual and written instruction
Breaks and sensory spaces
Meals provided (we will try our best to accommodate for dietary restrictions)
Transportation options
Gender affirming spaces (unfortunately, we cannot guarantee gender neutral washrooms however, accompanied washroom visits with other trans & gender diverse facilitators can be arranged)
This will not be an overnight camp. If you live outside of the Grand Bend area, transportation to and from London & Sarnia will be provided.

*if you require an accommodation that is not listed or have a question or concern with one that is please reach out to benji@jessjonesrecreationtherapy.com or write in your accommodation when registering.

What: A 1-day immersive experience combining beginner surf instruction with nature-based therapeutic recreation activities.

When: September 20, 2025 | 10a-4p | transportation from London, ON to Grand Bend and Sarnia to Grand Bend available

Where: Pinery Provincial Park (near Grand Bend)

Who: 18+ | woman, trans, gender diverse folks with little to no surfing experience

We will explore surfing as a therapeutic framework to understand how we can support and challenge ourselves through our leisure. Every part of the day is voluntary. There will be opportunities for scheduled and unscheduled breaks

All participants will receive:
🏄 Surf instruction and access to equipment
🌿 Nature-based workshops
💬 Reflective group sessions
🥪 Meals, snacks & refreshments
🎨 Time to connect, rest, and reflect in community
🏞️Entrance to Pinery Provincial Park (if entering with the group, if not you will need to purchase a day pass separately)

Objectives & Impact

To create a brave and inclusive space for participants to learn a new skill, develop self-trust and build community.
To teach introductory surf techniques while also demonstrating how to use leisure to develop personal wellness outside of camp.
To make visible femme and queer resilience through vulnerability and community.
To create more opportunities for women and queer folks within sport and outside of it.

1. How can you surf on the lakes?

Wind! With the appropriate gusts of wind, direction, sand bars, and the way the waves break on the shoreline, we are able to surf!

2. What do we need for surfing?

A bathing suit, towel, water, sunscreen, and of course… a surfboard! For those without one, we will be able to provide one to you for the lessons.

3. Do I have to be able to swim to participate?

Yes. We require all participants to be able to swim for your safety and others.

4. How deep is the water?

Every spot is different; however, where we are teaching, it will be shallow from ankle to hip height (around 3ft deep).

Have a question you don't see the answer to? Email us benji@jessjonesrecreationtherapy.com

Register

Subsidized Spots

We have limited subsidized spots for interested participants.

The eligibility requirements for such tickets are as follows:

The interested party must have an identity that falls within at least 2 of these intersections:

Transgender and/or gender diverse
BIPOC
Disabled and/or neurodivergent

*all parties seeking a subsidized spot must have financial need (no documentation is required)

We cannot guarantee that everyone who requests a ticket will receive a spot at camp, nor can we guarantee the entire ticket will be subsidized. We are working with sponsors to make this event as accessible as possible.

To request a sliding scale ticket please complete the form below and we will reach out to you with our current options!

Please email admin@jessjonesrecreationtherapy.com with any questions.

Co-Facilitated by:

Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

Benji (they/them)

From JJRT, Benji is a Recreation Therapy Assistant with a background in inclusive and accessible program facilitation. Benji is interested in co-creating affirming spaces where people can expand, express, and connect through play.

Photo 2024-06-10, 2 07 42 AM (edited).jpg

Surf Instructors

Bo (she/her) & Amber (she/her)

Amber and Bo created Siren Section as an initiative to welcome more people like themselves into the community. They actively tackle the challenges of entering and belonging in male-dominated sports like surfing and skateboarding by creating a safe space for women & non-binary participants to try something new.

JJRT x
Siren Section present:

Therapeutic Surf Retreat

For women, trans, and gender diverse folks in Grand Bend.

Register

Subsidized Spots

Co-Facilitated by:

Location

Contact Us

JJRT x Siren Section present:

Therapeutic Surf Retreat

For women, trans, and gender diverse folks in Grand Bend.

Register

Subsidized Spots

Co-Facilitated by:

JJRT x
Siren Section present: