Riding the mental health wave

AUSTRALIAN not-for-profit OneWave is bringing more colour to mental health on the Surf Coast during the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

OneWave, World Surf League and Hydralyte are teaming up to run six free mental health workshops during the 2025 event.

This includes four Free the Funk workshops with local school students, and two Salty Sessions, where students are given the chance to ride waves and talk openly about mental health.

OneWave founder Grant Trebilco said they couldn’t wait to get down to the Surf Coast.

 

“Sometimes riding waves and chatting to your mates can honestly change your life.

“We are super grateful to the World Surf League and Hydralyte for helping us bring more colour to mental health at local schools in the Surf Coast community.”

The Free the Funk program empowers young people with the message its okay to not be okay.

Over the last two years, the program has reached more than 2,700 local school students, promoting emotional awareness and encouraging help seeking.

Sessions will be held from April 22 to 24.

For more information, head to onewaveisallittakes.com