“We provide that much-needed respite for grassroots New Zealand, offering a chance to step away from the farm, forget about the chores piling up at home, and simply take a breath while reconnecting with people they might not see often, even if they’re neighbours. It’s a way to temporarily escape and connect.”
Once a week throughout New Zealand, farmers are finding time for the perfect break by leaving the farm and catching waves.
They are participating in a local Surfing for Farmers (SFF) event, a growing initiative that invites them to ride the waves along their coastlines during the summer months.
Surfing for Farmers is currently available in 27 locations throughout New Zealand; so far, more than 4000 farmers have surfed since SFF was established in 2018. The format includes a barbecue and time to relax and socialise.
Gisborne-based SFF national coordinator Sarah Shanks says, from the organisation’s viewpoint, a ‘farmer’ is anyone who is involved in the rural sector.
Each session usually starts at around 5.30pm and participants can surf for a few hours to clear the cobwebs. All skill levels are welcome, and no surfing experience is needed. SFF provides a safe and supportive environment and coaches are in the water to help get participants started.
“We are entering our sixth season; it all began here in Gisborne and then extended to Mount Maunganui, and from there, it just kept growing,” Sarah says. Last summer was challenging in parts of New Zealand due to the adverse weather, but many farmers still made the effort to gather, she says.
“We had three new regions start up last year, and they’re all gearing up again for this year. I think this will be one of the bigger years given there’s a bit of pressure in the industry.”
The events are popular with wives and partners who can sometimes be the ones to prompt their spouses to get off the farm for a while “because they see the benefit and possibly the mood change when they come home.”
Children are also welcome to attend to make it a family outing, but because surfing equipment is limited priority is given to adults.
“Some of our farmers will drive an hour one way just to come to surfing for farmers session; it’s pretty cool. That’s a real testament to the impact that it has. It’s real validation that it makes a difference.”
Each event is completely free of charge with wetsuits, boards, surfing coaches and the barbecue provided by Surfing for Farmers’ generous premium sponsors, Beef and Lamb NZ, BallanceAgri-nutrients, Jarden, Rabobank and Bayley Real Estate, along with a huge number of regional Local Legend sponsors.
For some, the combination of connecting with other farmers and rural people in a totally different environment, enjoying sea air, saltwater, surf, a barbecue and a yarn can become a healthy addiction.
“We provide that much-needed respite for grassroots New Zealand, offering a chance to step away from the farm, forget about the chores piling up at home, and simply take a breath while reconnecting with people they might not see often, even if they’re neighbours. It’s a way to temporarily escape and connect.”
Gathering around the barbecue is also a great way for farmers to gain perspective and realise that others are facing similar challenges.
“Surfing for Farmers strengthens the bonds of rural communities, reminding everyone that they are part of a network that supports and understands their journey.”
© Waterford Press Ltd 2023 – Independent Print Media New Zealand
