Researchers: Natalie Ross, Brendon Ferrier and Lesley Ingram-Sills
At Lost Shore Surf Resort, July 2025
Menopause is a natural life transition that affects half the global population. While it’s a universal experience, the symptoms, which can be both physical and mental, are anything but uniform. From hot flashes and sleep issues to challenges with mood and self-esteem, the journey is different for everyone. Because of this, finding a one-size-fits-all solution has been a real challenge.
Researchers at the School of Applied Sciences, led by PhD candidate Natalie Ross and Drs. Brendon Ferrier and Lesley Ingram-Sills, explored an exciting new approach to managing menopausal symptoms: “blue health.” This concept focuses on the benefits of spending time and being active in or around aquatic environments like the ocean, lakes, or rivers.
The project, “Surfing the Menopause,” was a hands-on initiative that brought research to the community. The project introduced a group of 13 women recruited to the local community to surfing, aiming to introduce a nature-based physical activity to the participants to illustrate how a group-based aquatic activity could help reduce the negative effects of menopause.
This project is part of a new research project being initiated to illustrate how a group based moderate physical activity can help alleviate many symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, from improving sleep to boosting mental health. The “Surfing the Menopause” project takes this a step further, specifically investigating the unique benefits of blue health environments.
The surfing workshop took place at the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Ratho, using both the Edinburgh Napier Surf Lab and wave pool.