Surfing is to get a boost from French doctors who are set to prescribe lessons to patients suffering from a variety of chronic conditions.
Biarritz has become the first place in the world where doctors can prescribe a twelve-week course in sports, including surfing and stand-up paddle lessons to help with ailments ranging from depression to heart conditions.
Some 20 doctors are taking part in the pilot scheme which was created and tested by the regional Olympic committee. “After six months, the results are already positive in our eyes,” Nicolas Guillet of Biarritz Sport Sante, one of the organisers, said.
Other activities like swimming or Nordic walking may be recommended to help with a medical concern.
The programme will replace medication with exercise. In some cases, the sessions replace all medication.
The plan reportedly will not cost the social security system, but the €300,000 bill for the current 200 patients will be covered by the Biarritz town hall and two private health associations. Patients are expected to pay €10 per session.
Patients who have completed their courses have spoken of improvement to their conditions and reductions in pain. One described the result as “a revolution”.
Doctors are also enthusiastic because sports are known to counter chronic pain and depression.
Water sports “get the lower limbs working and strengthen all the back and abdominal muscles, as well as the shoulders and buttocks,” according to Guillaume Barucq, a Biarritz doctor.
“It’s also about enacting cultural change in a country where 90 per cent patients who come out of the doctor’s surgery do so with a medical prescription,” he said.
