Surfers grow Mo’s to raise money for men’s mental health

BY MITCHELL CRAIG

SURFERS of all shapes and sizes will turn out to raise money for men’s mental health at the annual Morning of the Mo at Ballina on November 30.

The event has been running for 19 years and is a celebration of surfing from the 1970s.

It requires all entrants to sport a Mo, ride a pre-1980s surfboard and prepare a fancy-dress outfit for the day.

The surfing competition can be held anywhere between Ballina and Lennox Head, depending on the conditions.

Event organiser Johnny Hewett said all proceeds are donated to the Movember Foundation and invested in programs focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health.

“It’s a grassroots event where blokes can get together and spend the day with their mates,” Mr Hewett said.

“This event started way before anyone was talking about mental health and it just keeps growing each year.

“It’s all about having a bit of fun and making sure that we keep those conversations going.

“We do a lot of fundraising on the day, but we also raise money during the whole month of November.”

The event includes fathers who now have children who compete with prizes awarded for best dressed and an overall style-master.

People have raised the bar each year with everything from Hulk Hogan to Freddie Mercury inspired costumes.

The arrivals will be made on Ballina Lookout at 7am.

“Surfers are encouraged to be flamboyant, you’ll see headstands and all sorts of things on the water,” Mr Hewett said.

“The overall winner will take home a classic icon custom single fin.

“We’ve had Mark Richards, Phil Myers and number of well know shapers involved over the years.”

The event is on track to raise between $10,000-$15,000 with raffle prizes including a trip to the Mentawais.

A presentation will be held after the event at the Lennox Hotel from 7pm with DJ Eddy playing later in the night.

Donations can be made at au.movember.com.