Despite steady rainfall, dozens of surfers took to the wave pool in Sydney in support of mental health for the annual R U OK? Day. Organized by the surf-based mental health group OneWave, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of open conversations around mental health.
Participants wearing bright fluro wetsuits paddled out under grey skies, continuing a tradition known as “Fluro Friday,” a weekly initiative run by OneWave to encourage community connection through surfing.
The group, which describes itself as a grassroots nonprofit, regularly holds these paddle-outs in coastal communities across Australia. Organizers say the events are designed to break down stigma and make mental health conversations more approachable.
URBNSURF said wave pools help mental health and has positioned its wave parks as more than just recreational spaces, emphasizing their role in supporting well-being through what it refers to as “blue health”—a sense of calm derived from being near or in water.
“Mental health is something that touches every Aussie,” said CEO Jennifer Vandekreeke. “At URBNSURF, we know the power that surfing has to lift your spirits, connect you to nature and ground you. Blue health – that sense of peace we get from being in, on or near water – is central to our mission.”
OneWave founder Grant Trebilco said the event was about encouraging people to support each other and talk more openly.
“We did this special event today at URBNSURF for R U OK? Day to make sure people know it’s OK not to be OK. I’ve found the best place to talk about mental health is with your mates out in the surf. It’s all about connection and community. Sometimes, one wave is all it takes to free the fun.”
Organizers cited research from The Wave Report showing a 31 percent reduction in stress and a 41 percent increase in happiness among people engaging in surf-related activities. While the event was symbolic, participants said the underlying message was a serious one: that mental health support can start with something as simple as a shared wave.
