Meet Surfsmile founder Ryan Jean

Surfsmile Founder Ryan Jean started his organisation after his experience volunteering with a children’s surf therapy charity. Today his brand combines his love of surfing with a mission to support mental health

Tell us a bit about your water story…

I started swimming at a very young age, thanks to my late Gran who was a real inspiration. Because of her, I managed to swim at both local and county level. She also took me on numerous holidays to Woolacombe where my love of surfing and surf culture started. I have returned to the same place almost every year for 40 years and one day I hope to live in the area.

How does time in and around the water enhance your life?

Sea swimming and surfing are central to my wellbeing and happiness. It’s the only time I’m able to truly switch off. I feel revitalised and reenergised whenever I go near the ocean. The sound, the waves, the sand and salty air are all part of the experience; it’s hard to explain, but I feel at home in the sea.

Where did the inspiration for Surfsmile come from?

I have spent the last five years volunteering for an amazing children’s surf therapy charity, The Wave Project in Croyde, North Devon. Through Surfsmile, I want to be able to provide free surf therapy for adults and carers so they can have some time to enjoy the ocean and gain much needed respite. I also want to use the sale of our swimwear and clothing collections to help reduce the cost of adaptive surfing, which is currently around 3–4 times more expensive than a lesson for an able-bodied person. I am working closely with the brilliant and inspirational Ian Bennett, who is the adaptive lead at The Wave Project to ensure this becomes possible.

What makes your offer unique?

We use the sale of our swimwear to fund adult surf therapy; our weekly Carers Club; and we also plan to launch a ‘surf to work’ programme in 2026, helping people in long term unemployment to return to or join the workforce. Also, our swimwear is made from recycled coffee grounds and recycled ocean plastic. As an ocean lover, I want to promote ocean conservation so it’s heartening to know that for every swimsuit we produce the equivalent of 12 plastic bottles are removed from the ocean.

How can we connect with you?

Email hello@surfsmile.org to find out more about our Carers Club or adult surf therapy programmes, or check out surfsmile.org.