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Pukehina Surf Rescue embraces Surfing for Farmers

Monday, 19 December 2022

In 2021, Pukehina Surf Rescue Lifeguard Service joined up with Surfing for Farmers – a programme that was started by famers, for farmers, and is a surf therapy programme aiming to help improve mental health and well-being in New Zealand’s rural communities.

Pukehina Surf Rescue chairperson Boyd Harris said that the club’s location was a big factor in getting on board.

“We jumped at the opportunity because we are in the heart of the primary sector and many of our members are involved in or are serving primary industries. We also value being able to provide safe opportunities for people to get in the water and have fun and connection.”

The 'programme ' sees local farmers and growers come out to the club one night a week and grab a board & wetsuit and get surfing. If she’s too rough we are blessed at Pukehina in having an estuary just 50m from the ocean, so we get the club gear out and have a blast.

Every night concludes with a barbeque and couple of refreshments, and a chance to chew the fat and connect. It is fantastic to see the whole whanau coming down and having a play, getting off the farm or business and having a fun time.

Last summer we saw two ex-lifeguards refresh and start patrolling again, another two farmers start their journey to become lifeguards, increased family memberships with Junior Surf and more farmers swimming between the flags. So, some incredibly positive lifesaving outcomes, as well as being a great engagement tool for our members.

Additionally, more than 16,000 people saw our social media posts around the 10 sessions held last summer, getting great exposure for the club. This also led to the establishment of the Pukehina Board Riders Club, which saw 60 kids and 20 adults surfing at the club once a month all winter long.

  

This year we started a month earlier and, despite pretty average weather, have already picked up another three farmers starting their SLGA journey, and just under 8,000 have been on socials already, so interest is still high.

Boyd Harris says, “We believe this programme presents a fantastic opportunity for our club to support the wider community in a fun way. We have been able to grow our membership and increase the number of lifeguards, as well as gain valuable exposure for our club and what we stand for.”

This year we started a month earlier and, despite pretty average weather, have already picked up another three farmers starting their SLGA journey, and just under 8,000 have been on socials already, so interest is still high.

Boyd Harris says, “We believe this programme presents a fantastic opportunity for our club to support the wider community in a fun way. We have been able to grow our membership and increase the number of lifeguards, as well as gain valuable exposure for our club and what we stand for.”

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