Agricultural workers have been encouraged to get off farm tomorrow and have a go at the Surfing for Farmers initiative - the first of its kind in Southland.
Bayleys Gisborne Country salesman and long-time surfer Stephen Thomson came up with the idea, which was launched in Gisborne.
"I was very much dealing day to day with farmers who were experiencing the stress and demands that their business brings," Mr Thomson said.
"Seeing the statistics about farmers’ mental health, which are not good, it got me fired up to think there must be something I could do about it."
Southlander Tom Slee, who grew up on a farm in Te Anau, was working in Gisborne when he met Mr Thomson and decided to give surfing a go.
The benefits he experienced from his time in the water made him want to share it with the rest of Southland, Mr Slee said.
"It’s a pretty cool thing to break up your week and get off farm and connect with people.
"Getting in the water refreshes you and surfing’s also a great physical activity."
He contacted his friend and Southland Surfing School founder Jess Terrill, who agreed to help out.
Ms Terrill, a New Zealand surfing champion, said she heard about the Gisborne event last summer and was excited it was coming to her region.
While the activity could seem daunting for farmers, the sessions would be aimed at beginners and "you don’t have to be a world-class swimmer to have a go".
Surfboards and wetsuits would be provided and a barbecue would be held on the beach to wrap up the evening.
Depending on the weather and tide forecast, the first event would be held at either Riverton Rocks, Colac Bay or Monkey Island beach from 6pm.
