The push is on to get farmers off the farm for a few hours and on to surfboards.
Photo: 123RF
The Surfing for Farmers programme started in Gisborne and is now spreading around the country.
Southland Rural Support Trust spokesperson Cathie Cotter told Morning Report the Gisborne event started out expecting just six surfers and got 25.
"Even though you think the water might be cold, we're really encouraging our farmers both girls and guys, young and old, to come out and give it a go."
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Southland Rural Support Trust spokesperson Cathie Cotter speaking on Morning Report
The initiative was eager for first-timers who have "harboured some dreams of getting up on the surfboard", but open to more experienced surfers too.
"Our farmers often get together at rugby clubs and things like that, they tend to talk about all the same thing, so we're hoping as they get up and have opportunity to get on a surf board there will be a whole new topic of conversation and interest that will come out of this," Cotter said.
Southland's first session is scheduled for Thursday evening. The location will depend on conditions but will be at either Riverton Rocks, Colac Bay or Monkey Island beaches.
More information is available at Southland Rural Support Trust's Facebook page.