Surfing for Farmers is in its sixth year and is having its busiest season yet. Numbers have exploded around the country, and regions that had 20-30 surfers last season are up to 50 this season.
Reflecting on the growth in numbers this year, Sarah Shanks, National Coordinator for Surfing for Farmers, says:
"Our rural communities see and feel the benefits of getting off the farm and taking a break while having something each week to look forward to, something that is just for them. That has been a big driver for many this season."
Sarah says one of the biggest barriers is taking time out when the 'to do' list seems so long, but the benefits are worth it. "Taking a break to clear the head and untangle can give you the focus and energy to tackle the rest of the day."
"It's a low key, no pressure environment. We want our farmers and growers to feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. If they come down just for the BBQ, that's great. If they go for a surf as well, that's even better."
Andrew Hardie, Fonterra Co-operative councillor for Hawke's Bay, recently attended the Waimarama event in Northern Hawke's Bay. A friend had mentioned it last summer, and after seeing the event shared on Fonterra's social channels, he thought 'why not?’
"I'd never picked up a surfboard before, but the instructor was very easy going and the atmosphere was friendly. I even managed to stand up on the board and ride for a couple of seconds!"
One of the best things about being in the surf? "You can't think about any of your worries," says Andrew. "You're fighting the waves and trying to balance, it's a full-on mission and takes quite a bit of skill and energy to get it right. It feels good to get into the fresh air - I felt young (and tired!), completely de-stressed and supported."
Talking about why initiatives like Surfing for Farmers are so important for rural communities, Andrew says:
"It's a great way to let off some steam, release stress and share a few yarns. It's a nice way to bring together people from across primary industries too. The comradery afterwards was great, and I met people I hadn't met before."
For farmers who are on the fence about attending an event, Andrew says 'just give it a go!'
"It's a good time and a great stress release. You'll meet new people and potential friends, and there are free snags and beers! Everyone is included, young, old, women, men, and if you want to come along and just watch - that's no problem - you can flip a couple of burgers and have a drink."
Fonterra is a premium sponsor of Surfing for Farmers and supports events with volunteers around the country. Rachael Anderson is a Milk Quality Manager for Northland and has been with the Co-op for a year. She is the local coordinator for Surfing for Farmers events in Sandy Bay, Northland. A surfer herself, Rachael knows the positive impact of getting out into the waves can have on someone.
"I've worked as a rural professional in primary industries for the last 12 years, so saw it as a great opportunity to encourage others to get off farm, have a break and try something new. The highlight for me is seeing farmers return each week and watching their progress over the season - the thrill of riding their first wave is just the best."
Rachael says Surfing for Farmers make the events easy and accessible for famers.
"When farmers arrive, they're fitted out with a wetsuit, given a board and surf lesson and then into the waves for an hour or so. They finish with burgers hot off the BBQ and refreshments while debating who got the 'wave of the day'!"
Fonterra is committed to caring for rural communities by improving access to wellbeing and resilience services for farming families. Along with Surfing for Farmers, the Co-operative is proud to partner with the Rural Support Trust.
Visit surfingforfarmers.com for more information.