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Rural relaxation programme Surfing for Farmers is back on for the summer, with weekly sessions at Waipu Cove every Thursday evening.
The learn to surf lessons and social gatherings are designed to get farmers and growers off the farm, away from the daily grind and into the water with like-minded people.
Thanks to local and national sponsorship, wetsuits, surfboards, lessons and food are all provided free of charge and all ages, abilities and fitness levels are welcome.
Surfing for Farmers was started in Gisborne in 2018 by Stephen Thomson as a way to get farmers off the farm and doing something different to de-stress. It has proved incredibly popular and grown quickly, spreading to 27 beaches around the country and with more than 4150 farmers taking part since it began.
Organisers say the sessions provide an opportunity for farmers to step away from what can be an all-consuming business, and swap the paddock for the beach.
“It’s a stressful job which can become all-consuming,” a spokesperson says.
“Surfing for Farmers gives farmers a real reason to get off the farm and take away the focus from the pressures on-farm.”
Each meetup consists of a laid back surf lesson and surf session, followed by a yarn and a barbecue.
“Farmers usually find that after the de-stress and wicked experience of surfing, the good times and yarns are flowing,” the spokesperson adds.
Farmers don’t have to commit to every session – all are welcome whenever they can make it – and families are welcome to attend as well.
Surfing for Farmers will run at Waipu Cove on Thursday evenings for three months, starting at 5.30pm.
Info and registration: Contact Katrina Stead 027 489 7343 or Sophia Wood 021 227 4379, or visit https://surfingforfarmers.com/ or Surfing for Farmers – Northland on Facebook
