Well, that’s that hope of Surfing for Farmers – an initiative aimed at supporting the mental health of the country’s farming community.
“Pressure on the rural sector is greater than ever and New Zealand farmers continue to take their own lives at an alarming rate,” says Jack Dustin. “Surfing for Farmers is an initiative that is helping improve mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand rural communities.”
Dustin told Rural News the initiative was first launched in Gisborne in 2018 by Stephen Thomson.
“People around the country have seen the success of the Gisborne model and reached out to replicate the programme in 15 other regions around New Zealand.”
Dustin says the learn-to-surf programme provides an opportunity for farmers to step away from the farm, get some fresh air, exercise and interact with other farmers, rural families and industry professionals.
The programme runs for approximately 13 weeks, on a weekday evening at regional surf beaches around the country. Those taking part are provided with surfing gear (wetsuits, surfboards) and lessons free of charge. Local clubs or surf schools provide all the gear and coaching. The surfing session is followed by a free barbeque where participants have a ‘debrief’ about the session and a general catch-up.
“It’s great to head out there and for a short period of time have no worries in the world,” one of farmer participant says. “To be thinking about the next wave coming in rather than what’s happening out on the farm.”
Dustin says the Surfing for Farmers initiative is grateful for the support of it premium sponsors Bayley’s Real Estate, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Jarden and Rabobank.
“It’s really awesome to receive support from local companies making a donation, being a sponsor or supplying the food for their local region,” he adds.
“Our voluntary head coaches are the ones to thank for the successful growth of the organisation around New Zealand. They are passionate about surf therapy and creating impact in their community.”
