From the paddock to ocean calm for stressed out farmers and growers

Five years ago, Stephen Thomson saw his rural community struggling with stress, pressure, the daily grind and never ending to-do lists. He's a keen surfer, so founded the non-profit Surfing for Farmers, as a way for country people to get away from the pressures of life on the land, and into the ocean for an opportunity to de-stress and connect with others. SFF is a 13 week surfing course where all you have to do is turn up. Everything else: equipment, lessons and a barbeque are free of charge. Since the beginning five years ago, 4000 farmers and growers across 27 locations have taken part. Surfing for Farmers has won awards, and is a finalist in this year's Beef and Lamb Awards, FMG Rural Champion Category. Surfing for Farmers founder and chair, Stephen Thomson talks with Kathryn Ryan