When soldiers rule the waves
For Bobby Ball, there’s no better, more absorbing experience than when you’re up on a wave. ‘‘It’s about being in that moment and not having anything else to think about.’’
Ball is a former British commando and surfer who has started the Veterans of Combined Forces Surfing Association (VCFSA) in New Zealand.
The charity seeks to bring the wider veteran community together through surfing and introduce the ocean as therapy.
The charity’s pilot event was held at Ngarunui Beach in Raglan on Sunday. Veterans along with soldiers from reserve unit Fourth Waikato Mounted Rifles Squadron stepped out of their uniforms and into wetsuits to learn how to surf.
‘‘These guys and girls have been exposed to quite a lot – when they come out it’s hard to meet that challenge again, the boredom and loneliness can kick in pretty quickly,’’ Ball said.
Ball spent nine years in the British army, including time serving in Bosnia and Iraq. Surfing helped him transition to civilian life after he left in 1998. He takes inspiration from The
a book by Wallace J Nichols that explores the connection between water and happiness.
‘‘It’s something we are all connected to, and when you put your foot in water, when you’re near water, when you’re under water, something good happens.’’
He believes other veterans may benefit from the ocean’s healing properties. ‘‘This is a healthy habit we’re creating – it’s not alcohol, it’s not drugs.’’
For the soldiers from the Waikato Mounted Rifles Squadron, Sunday’s event was their first surf.
‘‘It’s a great idea, everyone heals differently, and everyone manages stress differently. I think it’s a good cause to get out there in the waves,’’ Sergeant Major David Fryer said.
Sergeant Damian White agreed. ‘‘We are trying break down the barriers and culture around being too tough to talk. We are open to anything that’s going to help the soldiers talk to one another.’’
Post-traumatic stress disorder manifests itself in different ways and is often taken out on loved ones and families, he said.
RSA spokesman Nick Roche said it backed the charity’s cause. ‘‘We need to look at new ways to support veterans and outdoor activities are perfect for that.’’
Ball hopes the organisation will be able to hold six similar events around the country each year. The charity welcomes serving and former members of the combined forces, as well as families and children connected with veterans.
There will be information available at the events for people seeking advice about mental health, but it is largely about recreating a sense of camaraderie among veterans, he said.
‘‘Ex-forces draw comfort in being on their own. Our generation is coming through – the guys that have been in Iraq and Afghanistan – and these guys need help and support.’’