Australians are invited to surf for 22 hours during April for the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge to help raise $2.2 million for mental health .
Co-managing director of the Ripple Effect Foundation, Adam McMurray, said an estimated 22 per cent of Australians experience a mental disorder in a 12 month period (AIHW, 2024).
“With this in mind, every Australian should have access to a lifestyle that protects their mental health and with only an estimated one per cent of Federal funding directed towards prevention, we need your help to do it,” he said.
Co-managing director Casey Macpherson said the Foundation was on a mission to change the culture around wellbeing in Australia.
“We hope to achieve this through a combination of mental health promotion activities that increase mental health literacy, increasing awareness of things we can do as individuals to protect our wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health and through advocating for systemic change,” she said.
Funds raised by the REWC will go directly into programs and initiatives that focus on enhancing mental wellbeing and have a positive impact on the health of Australians.
Surfing Queensland chief executive officer Mark Flanagan said his organisation was stoked to support the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge.
“To go surfing to help raise awareness and funds for mental health and wellbeing is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the positive impact surfing can bring,” he said.
“To align with the Ripple Effect Foundation for a cause that affects many of our members and participants is very rewarding. It’s a topic impacting so many Australians and we’re happy to paddle out during April in support.”
Ms Macpherson 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.”
To sign up, visit rewc.com.au
