Every time a member of Surfing For Farmers Taranaki leaves the farm to catch a wave, their board will have something to remind them of the farm.

Three boards were donated to the program and New Plymouth Surfriders Club president Mark Dwyer said the boards had a special feature.

“These boards were donated by our generous sponsors. The boards were made in Tauranga and wrapped in wool fiber fabric. Every time farmers catch a wave, they will have something to remind them of the farm.”

Surfing For Farmers is a mental health initiative that encourages farmers to get off the farm and socialize with like-minded people while enjoying nature and the water. The initiative lasts about 13 weeks, one weeknight on the surf beaches.

Farmers receive surfing equipment (wetsuits, surfboards), free lessons and a free barbecue.

It has operated in Taranaki for two years and Mark says it just keeps getting bigger.

“We have around 30 farmers every week. Being on the farm is really stressful, so it’s all about getting out of that stressful environment and doing something fun.”

Sam Williams has been part of the Surfing For Farmers initiative from the start.

“My sister works for one of the companies sponsoring the event. She told me about it from Taranaki. I came the first night and have been going ever since.”

He says he had never surfed before joining the initiative.

“It was my first time using a surfboard. I really like it. There’s nothing more calming than the ocean. Every week I get out of the farm and go somewhere perfect for meeting people and chatting. It’s a break from the stress of the farm and catch up socializing with a BBQ and a drink.”

He says the initiative is like a breath of fresh air.

“We started with 15 and now we have so many. Surfing for farmers is amazing.”