“More Than Just Surfing: Why The Hague is Learning to Slow Down, Connect and Smile
Moving to a new country is a big adventure, but navigating life abroad can also bring quiet waves of loneliness and burnout. On Saturday, July 11 two foundations, The Happiness Tour and Soul Surfers are teaming up in Scheveningen to help you hit pause and ride out those challenges together.
Waves of Happiness is a unique workshop that blends evidence-based happiness science with the therapeutic flow of surfing. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to find a new flow, we’re inviting locals and internationals to swap screen time for sea air, get out of your head, and connect with people looking for the same thing: a little more balance and genuine community.
Ocean Therapy Meets the Science of Happiness
While the Netherlands is celebrated for happiness, a mental health crisis is gripping its political capital: 56.4% of adults in The Hague suffer from loneliness, while 20.7% of the national workforce faces severe burnout – burdens that multiply for expats navigating isolated, transient lives without a local safety net.
To break this cycle, our upcoming event brings the international community together to swap stress of the city with the ebb and flow of the waves. Join us to learn practical ways to handle stress, build real friendships, have fun and remember that no one has to navigate the ups and downs of living in a new country alone.
“Our mission is to get doctors prescribing places, people, and play to prevent and manage burnout and loneliness. Instead of waiting months on healthcare backlogs, we can start healing together right now. And that is social prescribing! ” Nuthan explains. “This tour isn’t just about learning to stand up on a surfboard; it’s a gentle invitation to pause, listen beneath the noise of our busy lives, and rediscover our collective resilience.”
Partnering for the water session is Stichting Soul Surfers, a Hague-based non-profit that has been using surf culture as a catalyst for physical and mental wellbeing since 2008. Their professional coaches will lead the “Free The Funk” surf session, which welcomes everyone regardless of background or athletic ability. Learning resilience and connection – with the waves!
Together we hope to launch this new initiative to help expats and internationals find happiness, kinder connection in the Netherlands.
What to Expect on the Beach
The morning is structured into a step-by-step journey of mindfulness and movement:
- Kinder Connections: The day begins on the sand with a mindful beach walk and guided meditation to help participants ground themselves and connect with nature.
- Free The Funk Surf Session: Participants will suit up (wetsuits and boards are fully provided) and head into the waves for a beginner-friendly surf lesson focused on joy and confidence rather than competition.
- Science of Happiness Circle: The event concludes with an interactive sharing circle exploring the data-backed science of resilience, allowing attendees to share stories and walk away with a practical toolkit for daily life.
An Inclusive Space for Expats
Recognizing that the international community often seeks meaningful ways to meet like-minded people outside of traditional bar settings, the entire event will be conducted in English. No prior surfing experience is necessary, though basic swimming skills are required for safety.
Event Calendar Listing Details
- Event Title: Waves of Happiness | Surfing Mindfulness & Connection
- Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
- Time: 10:00 – 13:00 (Arrival by 09:45)
- Location: The Shore, Strand Noord, Scheveningen, Den Haag
- Language: English
- Suitability: Beginner-friendly. No surf experience required. Basic swimming literacy is mandatory. Wetsuits and surfboards are included.
- Pricing & Registration: €35 (Introductory Offer) https://events.humanitix.com/waves-of-happiness-or-surfing-mindfulness-and-connection
For more information, visit www.thehappinesstour.nl or contact nuthan@memetme.com.
