21 Sep 2023

From the paddock to ocean calm for stressed out farmers and growers

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 21 September 2023
Surfing for Farmers

Photo: supplied

Five years ago, Stephen Thomson saw his rural community struggling with stress, pressure, the daily grind and never ending to-do lists.

He's a keen surfer, so founded the non-profit Surfing for Farmers, as a way for country people to get away from the pressures of life on the land, and into the ocean for an opportunity to de-stress and connect with others.

SFF is a 13 week surfing course where all you have to do is turn up. Everything else: equipment, lessons and a barbeque are free of charge.

Since the beginning five years ago, 4000 farmers and growers across 27 locations have taken part.

Surfing for Farmers has won awards, and is a finalist in this year's Beef and Lamb Awards, FMG Rural Champion Category.

Surfing for Farmers founder and chair, Stephen Thomson talks with Kathryn Ryan