Farmers leave the fields to hit the waves
Fromnever having been on a board, to riding their first waves— the first Surfing for Farmers session at Waimaramawas a smashhit. Hawke’s Bay co-ordinatorTim Wynne-Lewis said hewas“totally stoked” and “couldn’t be happier” withhowthe first session went on Thursday evening.
“It couldn’t have been better conditions. There was a really good vibe out there in the water.”
Surfing for Farmerswas launched in 2018 by Gisborne-based Stephen Thomson, after watching a documentary about surfing being used to help returnedUSsoldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It aims to help provide a space for farmers to get off farm to help with
wellbeing.
Therewas awide range of abilities and ages representedamongthe 20
or so surfers, Wynne-Lewis said.
“Some had never been in the water before.”
Hesaid most had picked itup quickly and almost everyone had been able to standupon the board.
Alex Dickson, 24, had never been on a surfboard before butwasno stranger to the water, coming from a surf life saving background.
She said it wasan “awesome” experience.
“The surfwas great and everybody had such a great time.”
Others like Alastair Gordon, a Hastings-based orchardist, had been surfing before.
“But not for awhile. I thought it would be a good chance to get back into the water.”
Wynne-Lewis thanked allwho
attended and Bronson Primmer from the Hawke’s Bay Surf School.
Sessions will resume on January 21 atWaimarama Beach from 4pm, withmore spots still available.
The sessions and equipment are provided free of charge, although those with theirownsurfboards or wetsuits are asked to bring them.
The first of the Central Hawke’s Bay sessions is at Porongahau Beach on December 17 at 4pm, and another at Pourere Beach on December 22 at 4pm.
● Moreinformation: Wynne-Lewis at tim.wynne-lewis@bayleys.co.nz or, for Central Hawke’s Bay, AndyLee at andy.lee@bayleys.co.nz