Research
Research & Publications
My research sits at the intersection of blue space, positive psychology, and women's wellbeing.
I bring the same evidence-informed approach to my practice that I apply in my academic work, grounded in real experience, real data, and real people.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article
Connecting by Water: An Australian Exploration of Midlife Women's Participation in Structured Surfing Lessons
Krista Barry, Danielle Every & Adam Gerace
Annals of Leisure Research. Published 21 November 2024
DOI: 10.1080/11745398.2024.2423713
What This Research Is About
This research explored the well-being experiences of middle-aged women who participated in structured surfing programs, an area with surprisingly limited prior study. The study examined both the wellbeing benefits and the barriers and facilitators for women's participation, including the important role of female-only environments. 34 women aged 40-65 years completed an anonymous online survey. Five clear themes emerged from the findings.
Five Key Findings
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Surfing is simultaneously liberating, challenging, peaceful and restorative.
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​Co-creating a sisterhood of waterwomen.
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The qualities of a safe space: coach quality, non-judgment, and an all-female environment.
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Hidden strengths - courage, perseverance, self-compassion.
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New wisdom, surrendering control, trust, and patience.
Barry, K., Every, D., & Gerace, A. (2024).
Connecting by water: an Australian exploration of midlife women's participation in structured surfing lessons.
Annals of Leisure Research.
https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2024.2423713
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