Mid Canterbury farmers say getting off site and out onto the sea has improved their mental and social wellbeing.

They’re doing it through Surfing for Farmers, an nationwide initiative that sees rural folk hit the waves during the summer.

This is the sixth year Surfing for Farmers has run, said Sumner coordinator Kate Butterfield, who hosted around 30 surfers at the most recent Canterbury meet.

“It’s an initiative that was set up in Gisborne, to help farmers with their mental health.

“The farming industry has a high suicide rate disproportionate to other industries.”

She said the goal is to get people into a new environment, away from the workplace.

“Connection’s a really big thing as well, most of them work with their families, or one or two other people, so this is a nice way to meet other people and have fun.”

Butterfield had done the programme with her partner before taking on the role of coordinator this year.

Surfing events will run for the Sumner surfing group on a weekly basis until February, when funding will dry up.

“We’ll make the most of it until then.”

Around 50 people attended last season’s Surfing for Farmers events and that number is expected to climb as the temperature does.

Everyone gets a wetsuit, surfboard and instruction free of charge, as well as a barbecue and drinks once they're out of the water.

That accessibility is a key draw in and means all farmers have to do is show up.

For Ruapuna contractor Thea Gerkin, it’s been great to get back into a hobby she hasn’t had the time for.

“This is my second time here, I definitely look forward to coming again.”

She came up to Sumner with a group of keen surfers from Mid Canterbury.

It’s very beginner friendly, she said, and the main focus is to have fun.

“[The instructors] ask if you’ve been in the ocean before, if you can swim, they really take care of you.”

Rakaia dairy farmer Liam Alley said he can sometimes ride a wave.

“It’s just a good day, gets you off the farm, that’s the main thing.”

He’s been attending Surfing for Farmers meets for several years, and said he’s made good friends over that time.

“I brought some workers up here with me this time, too.”

“Just give it a go,” he said, “the worst that can happen is it's cold.”

Surfing for Farmers is set up in 28 locations across the country, from Sandy Bay to Southland.

Over 8000 farmers have signed up to take on the challenge so far.

If you’re interested in trading soil for sand, register online at ‘surfingforfarmers.com’.

By Anisha Satya