Surfing for Farmers invites you along
Marlborough farmers William Mollineux, Grant Allan, and Willy Milton who recently traded their paddocks for Marfells Beach. <em>Photo: Sam Wilson.</em>
Recently, 28 farmers from Marlborough and 31 West Coast farmers traded their paddocks for the Beach, joining in a very laid-back surf lesson and surf session, followed by a yarn and a BBQ under the nationwide ‘Surfing for Farmers’ banner.
During the summer months, ‘Surfing for Farmers’ offers farmers a weekly opportunity to trade the paddock for the beach, enjoying surf lessons, sessions, and a BBQ, all at no cost thanks to generous sponsors who cover the use of wetsuits, boards, surfing tutors, and BBQs.
Sam Wilson, organiser of Marlborough’s ‘Surfing for Farmers,’ shared that Middlehurst Station in the Awatere Valley kindly supplies the BBQ meat for their local sessions. The program runs from November through to early March, varying slightly by region, allowing farmers to join in at any time.
Paul Clement, West Coast organiser, describes Surfing for Farmers as ‘the perfect break’. It allows farmers to get off the farm, get some physical activity, and learn a new skill. According to Paul, many attendees used to surf in the past and are eager to rediscover that passion.
If you haven’t surfed before that’s no worries, Surfing for Farmers state: Just like we wouldn’t ask the Boardriders to swing a gate, they wouldn’t ask us to surf a barrel. All skill levels are welcome, and no surfing experience is needed. Surfing for Farmers is a safe and supportive environment, so the Boardriders will be in the water with you helping you out. They also add; No need to worry about fitness either, our boards would still float with the entire All Black front row on them. The only thing we do ask is that you are a capable swimmer and comfortable in the sea.
‘Surfing for Farmers’ invites you to look up a session near you, jump in the Ute, grab a mate or neighbour, and join in for the perfect break and a classic Kiwi BBQ.
Marlborough – Sam Wilson 027 873 5328, text Sam to check the location or Facebook page ‘Surfing for Farmers - Marlborough/Kaikoura’
West Coast – Paul Clement 027 646 4677, text Paul for location which varies, or Facebook page ‘West Coast Surfing for Farmers’