Support men’s mental health and join the Sydney Harbour Surf Club Mosman for their Movember challenge.
November is here, and well-groomed moustaches are entering the scene, covering many faces, buses and corners of the city as part of the ‘Movember’ movement supporting men’s mental health.
Water sports are not an exception. In its third year, the Sydney Harbour Surf Club Mosman and Rose Bay are jumping in with their challenge, inviting paddlers of all levels to test their skills by paddling their way to better mental health while raising funds for an important cause.
Sydney Harbor Surf Club Mosman director, head coach and Mosman local, Luke Hoder, is leading the charge in this challenge, rallying the community to make a splash in supporting men’s mental health.
“Our club is mainly male, about 70 per cent, and we recognise the importance of addressing men’s mental health,” Luke noted. “Paddling out on the water is something we believe is great exercise and a positive contributor to mental well-being.”
The club’s Movember challenge calls on participants to run, swim, bike, or paddle 60 kilometres a week throughout November. The 60 kilometres is to generate awareness, as approximately 60 men take their lives each day in Australia due to various mental health challenges.
“Our goal is to encourage our paddlers to double their usual efforts and paddle 60 kilometres in one week,” Luke explains. “But it depends on the skills and ability. People can do it in one week or four.”
And that makes this challenge an excellent excuse to give back while having a good time with friends or family in the water. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a complete novice, you will have a place as newcomers start with level one classes, where they learn the basics at their own pace.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable,” says Luke. “Our coaches are there to guide and support every step of the way. It’s about learning a new sport and becoming part of our community.”
And, for the more skilled and adventurous, the challenge will go far beyond the Lower North Shore.
“For those with more experience, we will paddle in the ocean. Last year, we started from Mosman and Rose Bay, then paddled to Bondi and back. We do that every Saturday, and we will continue to do that with more experienced paddlers for the challenge.”
Participants are also tasked with fundraising, with donations channelled through a dedicated tab on the Sydney Harbour Surf Club page to the Movember website.
Beyond the physical aspects, Luke believes this Movember challenge creates a sense of community and purpose. “We have a real camaraderie here,” he notes. “We paddle together, celebrate together, and work together to raise funds. It’s more than just exercise; it’s a shared mission.”
This will be their third year participating, and while past years have seen success, he anticipates this year to be even more significant.
“Last year, we raised around $7,000 to $8,000, but it was a challenging time due to COVID-19 and the holiday season,” he mentions. “This year, we’re optimistic that our community will rally stronger than ever.”
The Sydney Harbour Surf Club Mosman and Rose Bay opens doors to anyone willing to take on the Movember challenge.
“November in Australia is warm and inviting,” he says. “Instead of the usual fitness routines, give paddling a try. You’re not just getting fit; you’re supporting a vital cause. You’ll be part of our community, experiencing the beauty of our waters and helping to break down barriers surrounding men’s mental health.”
The Movember Foundation is a non-profit organisation that supports projects for mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
To join the moustache crusade and paddle for mental health, get your swimmers ready and visit sydneyharboursurfclub.com.au.