Lifeline Northern Beaches is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Lifeline High Schools Surf Challenge. This year, Lifeline is partnering with batyr Australia for the Schools Challenge at Curl Curl on Friday 6 September.

With more teams than last year already signed up, the event is shaping up to be quite a contest. An increased number of teams in the girls division is really pleasing to see, particularly with the recent increase in women’s sporting coverage.

Last year’s winners – Narrabeen Sports High – will be competing to defend their 2018 titles in both the girls and the boys divisions.

The aim of the High Schools Surf Challenge is to provide a safe and comfortable forum where local students can talk and discuss mental health issues under guidance from qualified professionals whilst at the same time enjoying an activity which is healthy and ‘away from their screens’.

Axel Rose-Curotta - NBSC, Balgowlah Boys Campus (Photo Bernadette McAlinden)

“This is a fun event that has a larger purpose,” says David Thomas, Lifeline Northern Beaches CEO. “With a focus on mental health, we are also aiming to give our students the knowledge of where they can turn to if they need help in a crisis, or know a friend who is struggling.”

“Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14 if you need someone to talk to, and we know which local services to refer to if you need face-to-face assistance.”

The Lifeline High Schools Surf Challenge gives students a rare opportunity to represent their school in a tag-team event. Competitive surfing is generally an individual sport, tag-team surfing on the other hand is all about teamwork and supporting your mates, which is what Lifeline is all about – support.

The top four teams in each division get the chance to compete at the Vissla Surf Pro in March 2020 in front of the bumper summer crowd.

“This is always a highlight for anyone involved,” says David Thomas. “Competing in front of thousands of spectators is an opportunity not to be missed and one that no doubt will be talked about around the family table for many years to come.”