4 minute read
1-15NEWS
Farmers hit the waves to de-stress
DAVID ANDERSON
WHEN THE going gets tough, the tough go surfing!
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 learnto-surf programme provides an opportunity for farmers to step away from
Locations
WHANGAREI : Wednesday 20 January 2021, running for 8-10 weeks. Sandy Beach, Northland Contact: Calvin Ball: 027 223 2894 COROMANDEL: Every Monday from 7December 12:30pm Pauanui – top of Mt Vista, Coromandel Contact: Karl Davis: 027 496 4633 WAIHI BEACH: 1 December 5:30pm Waihi Beach (north end surf club) Contact: Mike Meade: 027 659 0661 MT MAUNGANUI: 10 December 5:30pm Corner of Banks and Marine Parade Contact: Geoff Waite m: 027 601 4444 RAGLAN: TBC WHAKATANE: Tuesday 1 December 5:30pm: West End Contact details: Phil Williams: 027 499 5605 TOLAGA BAY: Friday 27 November, 18 December 5:30pm (2021 TBC) TOLAGA BAY/KAIAUA BEACH: Contact details: Matt Jefferd: 027 499 9205 GISBORNE: 8 December 5:30pm Midway Beach (surf club) Contact: Stephan Thomson: 021 450 6531 TARANAKI: 1, 8, 15 of December 5:30pm then 12
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 catchup. “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.”
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EARLY ORDER OFFERS NOW ON The Surfing for Farmers programme provides an opportunity for farmers to step away from the farm, get some fresh air, exercise and have some fun.
Jan until end of summer FITZROY BEACH: Contact: Mark Dwyer: 021 528 263 4pm on December 10th Contact head coach NORTHERN HAWKES BAY: 10 December at 4pm at Waimarama Beach Contact: Tim Wynne: 027 488 9719 CENTRAL HAWKES BAY: 22 December 4pm Porangahau Beach Contact: Andy Lee: 027 354 8608 WAIRARAPA: Every Thursday from 3December 5:30pm Riversdale Beach (surf club) Contact: Amanda Bowie: 027 747 4011 Sumner Beach: Every Tuesday from 17 November 6:15pm SUMNER BEACH: Contact Sandra Taylor: 021 151 8685 NORTH CANTERBURY: Every Thursday from 19 November 6pm Gore Bay: Contact: James Northcote. 027 216 6822 Oamaru: Every Wednesday from 9 December 6:00pm KAKANUI BEACH: Contact: Alfie Broughton: 021 247 8542 SOUTHLAND: 6pm Thursday 10, 17 December then every Thursday from January 14 Location: Colac Bay, Riverton Rock Contact: Leo Pekar: 027 211 1389
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