Are surfers happier people? Film premiere explores locals' connection to the waves
The American Psychological Association has concluded, after thoroughly studying the subject, that surfers are among the happiest people on earth.
No kidding. That conclusion is not news to surfers.
“Surfing changes your mindset,” said avid surfer Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski. Her surfing film, “Waves of Emotion,” will premiere at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 8, at Surfside Playhouse, located at 301 Ramp Rd. in Cocoa Beach.
The film explores the surging waves of emotion of the sport, as seen through the narratives of dozens of local surfers sharing how the ocean and surfing have impacted their lives. The film was shot at the best surfing spots in the county, from Playalinda to Sebastian Inlet.
The family-friendly Surfside event should also make for plenty of good vibrations in the audience. In addition to a film featuring friends and neighbors, the evening also includes live music by the Aquanuts, happy hour opportunities and a raffle for a new custom - and locally made - longboard by board designer Allen White. That’s quite a lot of entertainment for the mere $7 admission fee that will also benefit the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
These surf films, which Surfside has hosted for years, are extremely popular with audiences.
“We encourage buying tickets in advance, because we typically sell out,” said John Hearin of the local Surfrider chapter. “It’s a lot of fun.”
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The scientific basis behind surfing’s emotional high involves adrenaline and dopamine.
“When we practice surfing, we experience high levels of adrenaline and dopamine,” explained Wehrell-Grabowski. “Adrenaline increases heart rate and reaction time while dopamine is a chemical transmitter created by our own bodies when we do something we love.”
Even after more than four decades in the sport, Wehrell-Grabowski still makes it a point to ride any good waves that come her way.
“When you are out in the ocean, you put aside all your problems and focus in the present,” she said.
A lifelong educator, Wehrell-Grabowski earlier this year received Eastern Florida State College Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni Award. The Cocoa Beach resident graduated in 1979, when the school was known as Brevard Community College, and continued her studies at Florida Institute of Technology, where she earned her doctorate in science education.
She served as assistant director for the Center of Excellence at Florida Tech and is the owner of Mobile Science Education Consulting Services, traveling the world conducting science and STEM professional staff development, and hopefully also getting in some surfing throughout the Caribbean, Thailand and the Philippines, among other locales where she has worked.
Her films are uplifting celebrations of the sport and the people who love it. She estimates that at least 70 local surfers are featured in her latest film.
“People will see themselves and their friends onscreen,” she said.
Even non-surfers will join the happiness bandwagon after experiencing “Waves of Emotion,” because surfing zen is addictive.
“You’re never going to meet an unhappy surfer,” said Wehrell-Grabowski.
If you go
Surfrider Movie Night: 'Waves of Emotion'
Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach
When: Saturday, July 8 at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $7
Info: 321-783-3127
On the web: surfsideplayhouse.com
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Waves of Emotion' film premieres at Surfside Playhouse
