A study conducted by the University of Bristol in England found that there is a direct relationship between surfing and good physical health and positive mental well-being.

To carry out this report, a sample of 1344 surfers of all genders, ages and incomes was used and although they indicate that it is a topic that can be further explored, the first conclusion is the one mentioned above.

The second conclusion is that surfing has a positive impact on the country's economy with the average surfer in England spending over $2500 annually on surf-related purchases within the UK.

One of the main conclusions of the report is that lowering the barriers to entry so that more people can get into sport will lead to better mental and physical health and a better economy for the country.

According to the BBC, Dr Joey Murphy, professor of physical activity and public health at the University of Bristol, said: "The data clearly indicates that making surfing accessible to more people has the potential to support both the health of the population and the UK economy."

One case in point is that of 60-year-old retired police officer and military man Julian Roe, who says: “To say that (surfing) has changed my life is an understatement. I have never been happier, mentally or physically, since I was a young lieutenant in the army. I am always smiling and the joy I feel for the rest of the day after being on The Wave has made me a much nicer person, according to my wife.”