The Therapeutic Geographies Of Cold-Water Surfing In Wales: A More-Than-Representational Investigation Into The Link Between Winter Surfing And Mental

The project will examine the embodied experience of arctic surfing through the lens of non-representational theory. The research will focus on the relation between nature, mindfulness and mental health resilience, and will have broader relevance in a context of social prescribing. In terms of original intellectual contribution, the thesis will contribute to literature on more-than-representational geographies by foregrounding the importance of touch, materiality and 'affect' in producing intense and intimate relations with place which potentially give rise to therapeutic experiences. The case-study of Iceland and artic surfing is unique and contribute to health geographies understanding wellbeing in dark winter months.

Tirion will build existing relationships with surfers and NGOs in the field to conduct semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observation, and workshops after surf sessions and photography, videography and sound recordings from the field site in order to prompt discussions around surfing experiences. Tirion is an experienced surfer and will participate in coordinated sessions of the Artic Surfers organisation. Tirion will follow Cardiff University's Ethical Code of Conduct.