SURFING for FARMERS

Looking at the photo gallery on the ‘Surfing for Farmers’ website I couldn’t help but notice a happy bunch of people playing in the waves. 
One night each week over summer, a growing number of farmers near Raglan (and at 27 other locations around New Zealand) trade the paddock for the beach. Farming can be an all consuming job and this ‘surf break’ encourages exercise and connection with other farmers and their families. Lots of yarns and laughs while enjoying a post surf barbecue is just the tonic for farmers (male and female) wellbeing as they enjoy quality time in their community. By engaging in these activities farmers gain a renewed perspective and prioritise their own self-care. 
Jay, a Te Uku dairy farmer, who is a committee member of the Raglan Surfing for Farmers shared with me a couple of days ago that farming is very much a routine type job and surfing helps to break up the monotony of routine. He added that his job can be an isolating, so catching up with surfing friends and ‘friends to be’ is a priority for him. 
This wonderful initiative deserves to grow as it helps meet the needs of our farmers. Thanks to all co ordinators and committee members. The message to farmers (to us all really) is simple. ‘Take a break, even when it feels impossible because the to-do list is too extensive. That’s when you need it the most’ 
The perfect break.



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