There is a particular kind of camaraderie that develops when a group of people are standing on a beach waiting for someone to catch a wave or pull a fish from the water.
Over recent months, veterans, serving members and their families across Newcastle and the Central Coast have been getting together through Soldier On’s Reel and Wave Wellness Program, taking part in surfing and fishing activities designed to get people outdoors, try something new and spend time with others in the Defence community.
And there is plenty more to come.
Whale watching proves a hit
The popularity of the program is particularly evident in the response to Soldier On’s family-friendly whale-watching experience with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises at Port Stephens.
The event, taking place on Sunday 20 September, will give 80 veterans and family members the opportunity to head out from d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay for an educational experience featuring entertaining and informative commentary about whales and the maritime history of the Bay.
Participants will also have the chance to see Australian fur seals, common and bottlenose dolphins and explore some of the Bay’s outer islands.
There is just one problem if you were hoping to join them: the event is sold out, with more than 80 people currently on the waitlist.
While there are no places left for this particular experience, the response demonstrates the appetite for outdoor activities that veterans and their families can enjoy together – and there are plenty of other opportunities coming up.
Plenty more to get involved in
If you missed out on whale watching, there is no shortage of options over the coming weeks.
Saturday 30 August – Kids Come and Try Surfing
Younger members of veteran families can get into the water at One Mile Beach with Port Stephens Surf School for a Kids Come and Try Surfing session.
It is an opportunity for children to have a go at surfing in a supportive environment and see whether they enjoy being out on the waves.
First week of September/October school holidays – Kids’ Surfing Lessons, ages 5–12
For children aged 5–12 who want to spend more time in the water, Soldier On is offering five-day surfing lessons at One Mile Beach with Port Stephens Surf School during the first week of the September/October school holidays.
Families can also book individual days rather than the full five-day program.
Second week of September/October school holidays – Kids’ Surfing Lessons, ages 13–18
Young people aged 13–18 have their own five-day surfing program at One Mile Beach during the second week of the September/October school holidays, again with the option to book individual days.
Saturday 5 September – Fishing at The Entrance begins
For those who would rather stay on dry land – or simply prefer fishing to surfing – Fishing at The Entrance begins on 5 September and runs for four consecutive Saturdays.
It is another chance to spend time outdoors, meet other veterans and families and enjoy a shared activity without needing to be an experienced angler.
Sunday 13 September – Women’s Beach Fishing
The rescheduled Women’s Beach Fishing session at Stockton Beach will take place on Sunday 13 September after the original session was postponed because of weather.
The program has already seen veterans, serving members and family members take part in beach fishing, with participants reporting that they have enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to meet others.
Sunday 20 September – Adult Surfing at Umina Beach
For adults on the Central Coast, Adult Surfing Lessons at Umina Beach begin on Sunday 20 September and continue for four Sundays.
The sessions are open to veterans and their families and provide an opportunity to get into the water, learn or develop surfing skills and spend time with others in the community.
October/November – More adult surfing at One Mile Beach
Following the strong response to the first four-week adult surfing program at One Mile Beach, another four-week series is planned for October and November.
The original program began with intermediate and advanced surfers, but after feedback from participants, it was opened to beginners as well. The change meant more people could participate and gave those new to surfing the chance to get involved alongside more experienced surfers.
Participants have described the experience as something they were genuinely grateful for, with the concentration required to catch a wave providing a welcome opportunity to focus entirely on what is happening in the water.
More than just the activity
The activities are part of the Reel and Wave Wellness Program: Connection Veterans Project through Surfing and Fishing in Central Coast and Newcastle, funded by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The aim is straightforward: to provide low-barrier outdoor activities that can help veterans and families establish connections, develop routines and support wellbeing, particularly for people who may be experiencing isolation.
What has happened at the sessions so far suggests that the social side of the program has been just as important as the fishing or surfing itself.
People have arrived and recognised an old acquaintance or former work colleague, sparking conversations and catching up. Defence spouses have attended, while children have watched from the beach and cheered their mums on. Some people have been quite shy during their first session, only to return the following week and find themselves more comfortable because they already knew some of the people there.
There have been male and female instructors, including a veteran instructor, and people have travelled for up to an hour to take part in the surfing sessions at One Mile Beach.
And there has been plenty of encouragement from the sidelines and in the water, with participants cheering each other on whenever someone catches a wave or lands a fish.
That is what makes the program about more than simply learning to surf or spending a few hours fishing.
It gives people a reason to come along, something to do together and, if they enjoy it, a reason to come back.
Whale watching may be sold out, but there are plenty of other ways for veterans and their families to get out on the water. Explore the upcoming Soldier On activities and find one that’s right for you.
