As summer approaches Southland farmers are increasingly swapping their 4x4s for surf boards.

Surfing for Farmers is now into it's second season in Southland, with over 40 farmers regularly taking the opportunity to step away from what can be an all-consuming business, to get out on the water for a surf, enjoy a BBQ and share stories with others.

The concept was first launched in Gisborne in 2018 by Stephen Thomson, with the aim of helping improve mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand's rural communities.

Surfing for Farmers in action at Colac Bay. Photo: Supplied

Thousands of farmers at 21 locations around the country have since taken part in the initiative.

Southland Co-Coordinator Katrina Thomas said they are getting a lot of first timers.

They are usually in the water for around 40 - 60 minutes, and they come out "grinning ear to ear".

Thomas said it didn't matter if there wasn't always a big surf, as that made conditions ideal to practice good technique.

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Wreys Bush farmers Debbie and Willie Egan first got interested in surfing through the Surfing for Farmers programme.

Mrs Egan said they had now bought their own board. It is a good family activity and they would definitely keep doing it.

The group works closely with Jess Terrill from the Southland Surf School and depending on the conditions, chooses beaches at either Riverton, Colac Bay or Monkey Island.

Terrill said it was really rewarding for her to see people reset, and their enthusiasm and enjoyment from giving it a go.

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All equipment, coaching, food, and beverage is free of charge at the Southland events.

Upcoming sessions are to be held on 2nd, 9th and 16th December.

For more information phone 021 225 7067 (Tom) or 027 485 4395 (Katrina) or email [email protected]