The 2023 Lifeline Classic is now open and accepting team registrations, so pull together a team of four (or more) and fundraise for Lifeline’s local mental health and suicide prevention services before taking to the surf at Queenscliff Beach on Saturday, 14 October.

“This is an event for everyone,” says David Thomas, CEO of Lifeline Northern Beaches. “It’s all about raising funds to support local mental health and having fun as a team.”

Now in its seventh year, the Lifeline Classic has grown from a small beginnings to become one of the largest fundraisers for Lifeline Northern Beaches.

“We’re really excited about this year’s Lifeline Classic and getting even more teams involved,” says David. “Last year, our fundraising teams helped us achieve our goal to ‘break through’ by raising a fantastic amount for Lifeline’s local mental health and suicide prevention services – but we need your support once again.”

To get involved in the Lifeline Classic, register a team online. You’ll just need four people (could be your mates, your family or colleagues, or your surfing crew).

Then it’s time to get fundraising. Raise as much money as you can for Lifeline Northern Beaches between now and October. The sixteen Open Division and four Women’s Division teams who raise the most funds will then get to hit the waves in a super-fun tag-team surf event on 14 October.

“This year, our hope is to ‘break free’,” says David. “Break free of the stigmas that can stop us reaching out for support when we need it. This could be by talking with family or friends, or seeking support from a local organisation like Lifeline Northern Beaches.”

The Lifeline Classic is again featuring local artists who have created some epic designs about surfing and mental health. Illustration legend Ben Brown has returned for a second time with an inspired take on the Break Free theme.

“I was stoked to be asked back to contribute to this year’s Lifeline Classic,” says Ben. “I wanted my piece to retain the fun/retro vibe we hit on last year, and incorporate elements like the ‘heart’ for love, the ‘happy brain’ for positive mental health, and a ‘carefree casual surfer’ in a high-line trim, moving forward.”

Plus, huge local talent Eve Bracewell has created a free-flowing design that’s reminiscent of music posters from the 1960s and 70s.

“My artwork shows the positive effects of surfing on mental health,” says Eve. “Surfing reconnects us to nature, and gives us a sense of community and purpose. Both surfing and organisations like Lifeline make the dark days a little brighter.”

The designs are available on limited edition merchandise from the Lifeline Classic website now and the Lifeline Shop in Manly from 3 July.

“Lifeline Northern Beaches is a truly local charity,” says David. “Funds raised are spent supporting the mental health of our community.”

Lifeline’s local services include counselling for anyone aged 15+, support groups and free financial counselling. So, what are you waiting for? Get online and register a team, grab some merch or donate.