Nick Hounsfield

A surfer, social entrepreneur, and founder of The Wave and One Blue World.

Nick first surfed in Cornwall at 5 years old with his dad, sparking a lifelong connection to the ocean. That connection shaped his career: from training as an osteopath to reimagining how access to water can transform health.

The Wave is a slice of ocean created in the middle of the countryside in the UK. In 2019 it opened in Bristol, offering world-class surfing for all ages and abilities - from Olympic hopefuls to first-timers. Nick’s vision runs deeper than sport. He champions surf therapy, adaptive and para surfing, and programmes that support mental health, resilience, and belonging.

One Blue World connects science, design, and real-world projects to put Blue Health at the centre of how we live.

As Chief Visionary Officer, he leads a movement that blends the joy of surfing with the science of Blue Health - the proven link between water, wellbeing and community.

His partnership with The Wave Project helped bring NHS-backed surf therapy to land-locked young people struggling with poor mental health - a UK first. It is part of his wider mission to design sustainable, nature-connected spaces that heal both people and planet.

Nick was also Chairman and Director of Surfing England and part of the UK Sport International Leadership Programme, helping secure Olympic funding for British surfing.

His journey hasn’t been without challenge. In 2020, Nick suffered multiple strokes, which left him unable to speak. He calls it the hardest and most transformative chapter of his life - one that deepened his resilience and sharpened his purpose.

Recognised as one of the UK’s most disruptive entrepreneurs, Nick continues to push boundaries in business, sport and social change.

2025 he became an honorary Doctor of Social Inclusion & Business from Bath Spa University.