Surf remedy helps French wave blues away

Kiwi surfer Ricardo Christie, here surfing in South Africa, no doubt understands the benefits of a surfing lifestyle.

The French resort of Biarritz is prescribing surfing lessons to ward off a range of ailments from depression to heart disease, with doctors and patients insisting the treatment works wonders.

Twenty medics joined a pilot scheme in Europe's surf capital to encourage the notoriously pill-popping French to cut back on medication and take to the waves.

They are authorised to prescribe a 12-week course in surfing, paddleboard and Nordic walking.

In some cases, the sessions have replaced all medication.

The 300,000 ($495,145) scheme is funded by the town hall and two private health associations.

Patients are asked to contribute 10 a session.

Dr Guillaume Barucq said: "The waves liberate negative ions. They improve the oxygenation of tissue, your mood, tone, quality of sleep and concentration."

Karine, 40, said: "I've suffered from back pain for so long."

Six months on, her back pain has almost disappeared.

It is "a revolution", she said.