Surfing for Farmers aims to give New Zealand farmers a chance to take a break from their businesses and engage in outdoor activities, enjoy fresh air, exercise and connect with fellow farmers, rural families and industry professionals.
Events run in nearly 30 New Zealand locations including southern beaches in Dunedin, Kaka Point, North Otago and Southland.
Surfing for Farmers Dunedin co-ordinator Emma Townsend said the ninth and final session of the Dunedin season was held last week.
"Numbers haven’t been great this season," Ms Townsend said.
A reason could be farmers being busy during summer.
Surfing for Farmers instructor Finn Gray-Swann, of Dunedin, said he taught about 50 people how to surf at the Kaka Point event last week.
Sheep, beef and deer farmer Kongja Scorgie, of Outram, said he had been participating at Surfing for Farmers in Dunedin for the past three seasons.
"It is great."
The low attendance rate by farmers was a shame, he said.
More farmers might attend if the season began in February rather than December.
"Now is good because things are getting quieter."
He encouraged more farmers to participate next season because it would be good for them to get off farm.
"It might not be your thing but it is good to get yourself off farm and it is nice to have something completely different in your calendar to commit to each week, otherwise you get stuck on farm."
Dairy farmer Ian Bryant, of Momona, said he had been attending the Dunedin event for three season and enjoys mixing with farmers from other sectors and to be doing something other than dairy farming each week.
"It gets you off the farm."
