The Boaty Boys on men’s health and mateship.
What started with just a few men training at the Lennox Head Boat Channel has grown into a men’s health and exercise group who meet twice weekly (sometimes more) at 5.30am. Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’ll find them at ‘the Boaty’ with their kettlebells, goggles, towels, good chat and good laughs.
Though, The Boaty Boys are so much more than just a fitness group. Throughout the recent and catastrophic floods in the Northern Rivers, these boys came together to rescue locals, assist with the clean up and support those in need. For days on end, The Boaty Boys made their way from Lennox to Wardell, Lismore, Broadwater, Woodburn and the list goes on - anywhere they were needed, they showed up. With boats, buckets and the same feel-good attitude they bring each morning to their workouts, these boys aren’t just great friends, they’re all round great humans.
I spoke with The Boaty Boys to find out more about what inspired the group, the benefits they experience from being part of it and how you can create something similar in your own community.
BC: Can you share a little bit about The Boaty Boys, how it started, who started it and what inspired it?
TBB: The Boaty Boys was started by a small bunch of guys that weren't too keen on gyms. We had all lived in the area for a long time but perhaps taken for granted what we have here in Lennox Head. One day we realised…”Wow, we have a really good canvas to train on”, so we did.
BC: What has The Boaty Boys grown to be? How often do you meet up / what do you do at these meet ups?
TBB: From the very first few crew, The Boaty Boys has grown to well over 30 guys now. Our official days are Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 5.30 am-6.30am but you will find any number of the lads down there seven days of the week. Our routine is mixed but our base includes using kettlebells. We do everything from shuttle runs up and down the boat channel, to a run-swim-run at Lake Ainsworth, mobility training, breathwork through to meditation. We mix up our sessions but essentially, there will be a warmup, workout, core or fun activity, breathwork, meditation then we finish by jumping in the ocean.
BC: How do you believe The Boaty Boys benefits your mental health?
TBB: The first thing is that there are no egos. It's just a fantastic bunch of males trying to better themselves personally. The thing we love is that nobody puts any responsibility on you for missing a session, but the sessions are that fun, if you miss one you get bummed out.
“To be around men who wear their hearts and imperfections on their sleeves gives you the confidence to speak up if you are struggling with your own challenges.”
Exercise is just a small part of what we do. It's a supportive brotherhood that uses exercise, informal chat, breathwork and meditation in equal doses to help normalise daily struggles.
BC: Do you speak openly about mental health together at these sessions? How do you speak about it?
TBB: While we might not speak about it with all 30 of us, you will often see guys talking to each other about whatever may be going on. I remember one of the lads said it was a breath of fresh air being able to speak around blokes and not to have the default response as a piss-take, but to have a real empathetic response to the struggles you're dealing with. It's not a formal set up but if you're struggling and someone asks "are you ok", you feel comfortable to say you’re not and can open up.
BC: You’re about to partake in the Goggins Challenge - running 7km every 4 hours for 48 hours. What inspired this and what do you hope to achieve from doing this?
TBB: David Goggins is an influential role model that inspires the group, through his determination and persistence which can be translated into the context of our lives as well. Through achieving this challenge we are all put through a gruelling journey together, we’re able to form bonds and increase our mental and physical resilience. It is about trying to push ourselves to the limit and supporting each other to the end. Plus it will be a barrel of laughs no doubt.
BC: What change do you hope to see in the mental health space - with men specifically?
TBB: The singular lens of mental health being only a construct of the mind needs to change. Mental health needs to be considered holistically and encompass a biopsychosocial approach.
“How well we eat, move, sleep, think, feel and engage in a social setting and the environment around us is fundamental for greater health outcomes in the mental health space. ”
We have lost touch as a species and most look for a quick fix but soon realise this doesn't work and can often have adverse side effects. Adopting a more holistic approach with considerations of the whole is what's needed for a real shift in the mental health space. I think it is already starting to happen in our small town. The Healthy Minds Club was set up due to many of our friends losing their battle with mental health and The Boaty Boys allows space for men to come down and better themselves and their lives. The times of 'it is tough not to talk' are so far behind us now. This issue needs to be at the forefront of men's mental health.
BC: What would you say to other communities who might want to start their own men’s health group?
TBB: Just start and people will follow. Our motto down there is "The hardest part is turning up". That's what it's all about. Rolling out of bed and hitting the sand, seeing the sunrise, getting the heart rate up and finishing with a swim - you cannot beat that kind of start to the day!!
To support The Boaty Boys in the Goggins Challenge, you can donate here. Funds will be used for organisations and individuals in need in their local community.
To thank The Boaty Boys for their generosity, kindness and commitment to their community, Bonny Co has made a donation to the Bundjalung Community Flood Relief by Koori Mail as well as a donation to their HUGE efforts in the Goggins Challenge. If you would like to show your support for the boys and the region they love, please click here.
Interview by Bonny Co. | Images Shannon Mackie | Connect @theboatyboys