Phil Overton surfs a wave

Riding the waves

Thursday, May 26, 2022
Brenton Stacey
About the Author

Brenton Stacey

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Brenton is Avondale University’s Public Relations and Philanthropy Officer. He brings to the role experience as a communicator in publishing, media relations, public relations, radio and television, mostly within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific and its entities.

Surfing saved veteran’s life

A navy veteran who overcame suicidal thoughts by getting back on his surfboard is now continuing his rehabilitation as a teacher-in-training at Avondale.

Encouraged by fellow alumnus and army veteran Luke Ryder to study at Avondale, Phil Overton is building on experience as a floor supervisor in the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Support—he taught machining and fabrication. “The apprentices liked the way I taught, and I liked teaching,” says Phil, who’s now specialising in technology and applied studies.

Then a leading seaman, Phil found himself back on land in the Garden Island workshop after significant physical and mental health issues. He was unable to go back to sea. “I’d been using alcohol and painkillers to self-medicate.” After finally seeking it, help came in the form of referrals to psychiatrists, psychologists and post-traumatic stress disorder programs, “but nothing seemed to work.”

A borderline suicide risk, Phil got a break when a mate from the Navy Surf Riders Association gave him a board and suggested he go surfing again after 15 years. “The mental change that came after riding my first wave was instantaneous. It wasn’t a cure-all, but it was the closest thing I’d found to inner peace.” With rates of suicide for ex-serving male members of the defence force higher than the general population, Phil is grateful to be “one of the lucky ones. Lest we forget.”

Phil discharged from the navy on medical grounds in September 2020. Within a month, and with help from Veteran Sport Australia, he’d formed a new Hunter Coast chapter of the Association of Veteran Surfers. As president, he’s introducing others like him to what is called surf therapy. “We’re looking after each other,” says Phil, who’s set up a WhatsApp group as a “buddy check” between meetings so members can “reach out to each other when they need a hand, a surf or just someone to talk to.”

Phil wrote about surf therapy for a unit in his arts and teaching degree.

“Veterans can lose their identity and self-worth on discharge, especially if the discharge is on medical grounds. I found the process confusing, with little advice or support from the defence force about transitioning to civilian life. Surf therapy has helped.

“As a non-intrusive form of medication for PTSD, surf therapy has alleviated some of the symptoms. It’s an addition—even an alternative—to conventional forms of therapy such as eye movement desensitisation and reprogramming and cognitive behaviour. Both these require the veteran to relive traumatic events. This works for some but can have adverse effects on others.

“Many veterans can’t relate to mental health professionals who’ve not worked within the defence force. Surf therapy offers support within the veteran community and in a serene blue–green rather than sterile medical environment. It’s much easier to open up with others.

“New members of our club say their social confidence returns after just a few meetings. They even look forward to meeting other members outside of club meetings. Some of those who join don’t surf, but it doesn’t take long before they’re checking the surf report each morning.”

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