Surf's up for farmers!

Kiwi farmers are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of our food supply chain, working tirelessly to put food on our tables. Their days often begin at first light — before the rest of us have even hit the snooze button, and their hard work doesn't end when the day is done.

Farms are usually in rural areas, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and while the countryside can be idyllic, it can also at times be isolating.

All this hard work and solitude can take a toll on a farmer’s mental health. The stress, financial ups and downs, and isolation can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. At a time where these pressures seem to be escalating, it’s more important than ever to be looking out for the mental well-being of our incredible farmers.

That’s where Surfing for Farmers comes in! It’s a chance for farmers to get off the farm and into the surf, clear their heads and connect with fellow farmers.

This amazing initiative set up in Gisborne, funded by sponsors and run by volunteers was awarded the FMG Rural Champion Award at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards in 2023, and we can see why. We had the pleasure of talking to Founder/Chairman Stephen Thomson and National Coordinator Sarah Shanks to find out a bit more:

How did Surfing for Farmers (SFF) come about?

Surfing for Farmers was born from an idea sparked by watching a documentary about American war soldiers being taken surfing to cope with PTSD.

Added to this was the frustration of mental health experts visiting farms, delivering speeches about the need to leave the farm for better mental health, but then leaving without taking action. This led us to taking our own action in Gisborne in 2018, and since then we’ve continued to grow to where we are today.

Why is Surfing for Farmers important to you?

Supporting our farming community is imperative due to the multitude of pressures they face, including environmental, financial, social, familial, and personal expectations to succeed.

Surfing for Farmers serves as a valuable means to alleviate the burdens on our farmers, with remarkable ripple effects that enhance the lives of families. Witnessing the joy on farmers' faces as they grin from ear to ear after a surfing session, followed by communal debriefings over a barbecue, is truly rewarding.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers nationwide who share our commitment and willingly contribute their time week after week.

How does Surfing for Farmers work?

One night each week over Summer, farmers trade the paddock for the beach and meet up with a group of fellow farmers for a laid-back surf lesson (with a qualified instructor), followed by barbecue and good yarn!

The farmers are then welcome to join in for a barbecue and can stick around as long as they like after the lesson. We all have fun and laughs in and out of the water, leaving everyone feeling uplifted by the end of the evening.

Where is Surfing for Farmers run?

We started out back in 2018 with the pilot programme running in Gisborne. This proved to be such a success and we knew it was important work so persevered to expand our offering. We now have 28 locations across the country and to date have hosted 4,000 farmers.

What is the best thing about Surfing for Farmers?

There are so many ‘best things’ about Surfing for Farmers!

The benefits vary for individuals – some acquire a new skill, others rediscover a past skill they haven't practiced in years, while for others, it's the feeling of connection within their community and with like-minded individuals who comprehend the challenges everyone is confronting.

The knock-on effects of Surfing for Farmers from the individuals, to their families, staff and wider community are huge.

Any future plans or dreams for the programme?

For us it’s all about maintaining the momentum, expanding the attendance, while ensuring the delivery of a world-class yet grassroots experience for farmers from across New Zealand.

To find out more about Surfing for Farmers visit sporty.co.nz/surfingforfarmers/