Surf challenge to raise mental health awareness

When Scott Todd’s old friend Adam McMurray called out of the blue, he couldn’t have known his timing was perfect.

Todd, of Blue Bay, had been thinking of contacting McMurray, who lives in Queensland, to see how he had survived Cyclone Alfred.

But McMurray had a suggestion of his own: did Todd want to be involved with a cause where Australians are being invited to surf for 22 hours during April to help raise $2.2M for mental health>

The aim of the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge is to help raise funds for mental health awareness, advocacy and education. 

McMurray is the Co-Managing Director of the Ripple Effect Foundation and told Todd an estimated 22% of Australians experience a mental disorder in a 12-month period.

“For me it was perfect timing,” Todd said.

“I hurt my back last August, so it was really great to get back in the water.

“I surfed a few days ago and it’s such a good feeling.

“I really missed that connection; I used to surf every morning with the same blokes.

“I just love it; when you’re in the water everything just floats out.

“It’s good to be involved in.

“Anything that helps mental health is a good thing, especially for men who don’t talk about things.

“The timing was just good for me.”

Funds raised by the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge will go directly into programs and initiatives that focus on enhancing mental wellbeing and have a positive impact on the health of Australians.

It is an opportunity for surfers and ocean lovers to get in the ocean, surf more, feel good and make an impact.

The challenge is open to surfers and ocean lovers of all kinds, no matter if you can already catch a wave or not. 

While surfing is at the heart of the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge, its mission is one that every Australian can benefit from.

The challenge aims to show Australians how taking part in proactive mental wellbeing measures can create lasting change for all people and future generations.

Co-Managing Director Casey Macpherson said the Foundation was on a mission to change the culture around wellbeing in Australia. 

She encouraged surf clubs, individuals and anyone who loved to get out on the waves to sign up for the challenge. 

“We’re hoping to see all age groups and even bodysurfers sign up for the sake of our collective mental health,” she said.  

“The science says that surfing makes you feel great so by getting out there you’ll be doing something for yourself and for others.” 

Anyone can participate, from families to friend groups to solo surfers.

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or have always wanted to give it a try, the Wave Challenge is the perfect way to experience the benefits of being out on the water.

 Participants can set a personal or team target of at least 22 hours of surfing over the month.

Register online, log hours, and collect donations to support mental health initiatives.

To sign up, visit www.rewc.com.au