The founder of a Newquay surf therapy charity has announced he is stepping down from the role to seek pastures new.

Joe Taylor, the CEO of The Wave Project in Fore Street, is resigning after 13 years in post. 

He founded the charity in 2010 with a small NHS grant and developed it to become one of the UK’s leading Sport for Change charities supporting thousands of young people every year. 

Joe’s work in measuring the impact of surfing on children’s wellbeing helped to establish the concept of surf therapy and inspired similar programmes around the world to use surfing to support mental health. 

He leaves the charity in a fantastic position, with active projects across the UK and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. 

Joe said: “I feel immensely privileged to have worked with such amazing people for the past 13 years – both the dedicated staff, surf coaches and volunteers who have given so much to make The Wave Project happen, and the amazing young people themselves, whose courage and bravery inspired me every single day. 

“I am sad to be stepping down from the charity I founded and love, but look forward to seeing it develop and grow further under new leadership with the guidance of the trustees.”

Graham Hooper, Chair of Board of Trustees, said: “I would like to place on record the Trustees’ thanks for all of Joe’s work and commitment - not least, his original idea to harness the power of the ocean and the connection with surfing in order to deliver invaluable support to so many young people. 

“Joe will forever be the founder of The Wave Project and we would like to wish him well in his future plans.”