Surf for Sanity is an annual community event at Cabarita Headland that promises a fun day of epic surf battles, food trucks, live music, good vibes and gorgeous scenery – all for a great cause.
"Surf for Sanity stands as a pillar of support for those facing mental health challenges. The event provides a platform for open conversations, reducing stigma, and creating an environment where everyone feels understood and accepted." - Steve Ashburn, Founder Surf for Sanity
It’s no secret that surfing makes you feel good, and as far as feel-good family events go, Surf for Sanity, is a great one. Collaborating with Cabarita Boardriders, the primary goal is to unite the community and shed light on mental health issues, while having plenty of fun in and out of the surf. "It's our favourite event of the year," says eight-year-old Willow who competes in the Junior tag team. Her mum Jo, who surfed with 14- year-old daughter Ruby as part of the first mother daughter team in 2023, loves the way the event brings the community together. “The vibe is high and it raises money for a charity that has, in some way, affected us all and is close to our hearts.”
Surf for Sanity was founded by Steve Ashburn in 2019. Growing up in the region, he had encountered his own mental health hurdles and found sanctuary with Cabarita Boardriders. Through his own experiences, he identified a need to bring awareness to mental health support in the local community, to check in on your mates and to spread the message ‘it’s ok not to be ok.’ "Surf for Sanity was born out of our love for the waves and the belief that the ocean has a healing power. It started as a simple idea to bring our community together through the joy of surfing, and it has grown into a celebration of unity and mental well-being," says Steve.
The lead up to the annual event includes a mental health night ‘Get on Board,’ hosted this year by the ‘Swellians,’ Vaughan Blakey and Jed Smith, from the surf podcast Ain’t That Swell. With dinner, refreshments and guest speakers creating what Janine Pollard, Surf for Sanity event producer, describes as "a night of raw authenticity, bravery and vulnerability in support of our mental health initiative.”
The surfing comp includes open teams, a women’s event and a junior tag competition. Plus food trucks and live music in the park with stunning Norries Headland creating a picturesque backdrop. Surfing, community, food and good music - it doesn't get better than that, says Jo!
Surf for Sanity takes place on March 16 2024
For more details follow instagram.com/surf_for_sanity
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