Palmy are eager to surf for a good cause
THE Palm Beach Boardriders will honour the memory of a former member as they hit the Gold Coast break in a bid to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
The seventh annual Eager Beaver Charity Surf Contest will be held on Sunday in memory of long-time Palm Beach Boardriders member Nathan “Beaver” Jager who suffered silently with bipolar disorder and took his own life in 2013.
Eager Beaver organiser Dan Binskin said the surfing contest aimed to create conversations regarding the serious topic in a lighthearted way, breaking the stigma that has long been attached to mental health illnesses.
“The contest is all about getting our community together and having fun while also addressing this silent yet deadly illness,” Binskin said.
The one-day ambrose-style scoring competition is open to riders of all ages and abilities.
The contest will take place at 25th Ave Palm Beach, beginning at 7am and will conclude with an afternoon of live music from local musicians.
Last year there were 48 registered teams competing with a mix of fathers, brothers, sons, professional surfers and friends all getting around the cause.
Binskin said the Palm Beach Boardriders and partner charity LIVIN wanted to prove that “It Ain’t Weak to Speak’’.
“The stigma around mental illness is starting to change but it still exists and we want everyone to know the importance of speaking out about it,” he said.
“We’re proud to be teaming up with LIVIN to host this event for the seventh year in a row.
“All proceeds generated on the day will be donated to LIVIN to support the great work they do assisting those suffering from mental health illness.”