Volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs from across the state have commenced the 2026 edition of the Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row for mental fitness, keeping their rowing machines moving for 24 hours straight.
This isn’t just a very very very long row. It’s a chance to spark meaningful conversations, show up for your mates, and highlight the importance of connection, community, and fitness - both physical and mental.
The annual event, now in its ninth year, attracts teams from all over the country to take part and sees locals, families, lifesavers, heroes, celebrities and politicians getting involved. This year, as in the past few years, a number of students from local schools have been getting involved, showing they're strong enough to care about their mates.
At Avalon Beach surf club on Saturday Sharni and Mel Smale were there to cheer on the squad.
Kicking off at 12pm AEST on Saturday 12 September and finishing 12pm AEST Sunday 13 September, participants take turns for the entire 24-hour period to keep their team’s rowing machine running non-stop to raise funds for lifesaving mental fitness programs which support their communities.
The 24 Hour Row raises funds for mental fitness foundation Gotcha4Life. With a vision of zero-suicides, Gotcha4Life delivers empowering and educational mental fitness programs and workshops in communities.
The Story Behind the Initiative
In 2017, after a loss that devastated our community, members of Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club, led by founders Nathan and Mel Wellings and the Avalon Beach SLSC Surf Boat Division, climbed onto rowing machines and rowed throughout the night for their mates.
Nine years later, that single club’s response to tragedy has grown into Gotcha4Life’s 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness – a nationwide relay bringing thousands of people across Australia together to build connection, community and the everyday skills that help us navigate life’s ups and downs.
Teams across Australia have once again opted to take turns on rowing machines over 24 hours, supporting one another through every kilometre while raising vital funds for Gotcha4Life, with over 100 teams taking place this year.
Mel Wellings stated on Saturday, while at Avalon Beach SLSC's surf club, and where she expected to be for much of the whole 24 Hour Row, her and husband Nathan are pleased that the 24 Hour Row continues to inspire communities across Australia to step up for their mates.
“We're so happy the 24 Hour Row is still going, 9 years on, and can’t believe how many clubs are participating this year,”
“Mental fitness and the awareness of how to help friends and family is so important and we’re glad that our little event is now able to help save lives nation-wide,” Mel said.
“Our local community was struggling to come to terms with the loss of a number of our young people and our team of surf boat rowers wanted to do something positive to help. We set up a couple of rowing machines at the club and rostered everyone to row for an hour each, over 24 hours.''
“It was such a great event, with great support from all the community, not just our club members. It’s fantastic to see the 24 Hour Row continuing to grow and helping make a real difference to people’s lives.” said Mel Wellings.
“Funds from this event will be put towards programs in our local schools, and for workshops held at Avalon Beach SLSC. The money comes back to our community, so if you can't take part, you can still invest in supporting this initiative.”
Surf Life Saving NSW, a proud partner of the Row since its inception, is once again rallying its surf clubs and communities behind the event.
The growing support from the surf lifesaving community reflects a shared belief in the role of sport and community in bringing people together and helping people stay connected through whatever life throws their way.
Two-time Olympian, Australian surf boat champion, long-time surf lifesaver and 24 Hour Row Ambassador Georgie Rowe said anyone could take part, regardless of their rowing experience.
“You don’t have to be a rower to be part of this. It’s about showing up for your community, having conversations you might not otherwise have and knowing that every kilometre helps someone else build the skills to navigate life’s ups and downs,” she said.
Bilgola and North Narrabeen SLSC's, the 'Billy Beens' crew, is taking on the Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row at Pittwater RSL on 12–13 September, raising funds and awareness for mental fitness and a zero-suicide future. Dr. Sophie Scamps, MP for Mackellar, joined the group on Saturday for the 1pm onwards row, supported here by Georgie Rowe (right), Pittwater RSL Director Julie Emerson, and Mark Parsons, Surf Sports Officer at Bilgola SLSC (and part of the Bilgola Boaties surf boat Division). Photo: Michael Mannington OAM
Funds raised through the 24 Hour Row support Gotcha4Life to develop and deliver prevention-focused mental fitness programs and resources that help people build the everyday skills and habits to connect, adapt and ask for help so no one has to worry alone.
Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland said the support of surf lifesaving communities showed the power of coming together.
“When state and national bodies in the surf lifesaving community all back what we’re doing, it tells you people are ready to show up for each other. You row for your mate when they’re tired, and they row for you. That’s mental fitness in action,” he said.
Last year, teams across Australia raised close to $600,000, helping bring mental fitness workshops to 12,000 people and bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds around a shared cause.
This year, rowers hope to raise $800,000 to extend the capacity of reach for these workshops.
There are 108 Teams rowing for mental fitness this year, and $351,825.19 Funds raised so far.
To support a local fundraiser, please visit 24hourrow.com.au
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Sharni and Mel Smale - part of the F45 Training Avalon crew this year. Photo: AJG/PON
