Surf challenge raises awareness for mental health

SURFERS are being encouraged to spend 22 hours in the water this month to raise money and awareness for mental health.

The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge aims to raise $2.2 million to fund programs focused on mental health awareness, education and advocacy.

Co-managing director of the Ripple Effect Foundation, Adam McMurray, said about 22 per cent of Australians experience a mental health disorder each year.

“With this in mind, every Australian should have access to a lifestyle that protects their mental health and with only an estimated 1 per cent of Federal funding directed towards prevention, we need your help to do it,” he said. Local surfer Glen Ivey said he had seen firsthand how surfing helped people manage their mental health.

“I’ve seen a lot of people go through depression, especially once they get into their 50s and 60s,” he said.

“The ones that are still surfing — they’ve always got that to go to, and it helps keep them on track.”

Mr Ivey said the challenge was a great way to reconnect with friends and feel revitalised.

“You go out, you feel really good.

Just being in the water gives you a boost — and it’s a good chance to catch up with some mates down the beach,” he said.

“You can teach your kids to surf, spend time with them, or just sit and watch the ocean. It’s meditative — just nice to do.”

Co-managing director Casey Macpherson said the challenge promoted positive daily habits and raised awareness of what individuals could do to improve wellbeing.

“We hope to achieve this through a combination of mental health promotion activities that increase mental health literacy, increasing awareness of things we can do as individuals to protect our wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health and through advocating for systemic change,” she said.

Participants can surf at any beach or wave pool and will go into the running to win prizes donated by sponsors.

Ms Macpherson said the challenge was open to all ages and abilities.

“We’re hoping to see all age groups and even bodysurfers sign up for the sake of our collective mental health,” she said.

“The science says that surfing makes you feel great so by getting out there you’ll be doing something for yourself and for others.”

To register, visit rewc.com.au.