The Australian coastline is as treacherous as it is beautiful. From powerful currents and unpredictable weather to shark-infested waters, the ocean’s dangers are a stark reminder of nature’s untamed force. Yet, it’s within these challenging waters that endurance athlete and mental health advocate Damien Rider is undertaking an extraordinary mission: an 800km aqua bike journey from Coolangatta to Bondi Beach.
Starting on January 3, 2025, Damien’s "Heart of the Sea II" is not just a feat of physical endurance but a symbolic tribute to resilience and the unyielding human spirit. Over 13 grueling days, Damien will confront the ocean’s immense power to shine a light on mental health—a cause he has championed for a decade.
A route filled with iconic stops: Coolangatta, Byron Bay, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Forster, Newcastle, Palm Beach, and arriving at Bondi Beach on January 15th—each one a chapter in a story of endurance and triumph.
This Sunday evening, Damien Rider will ride triumphantly into Newcastle Harbour at approximately 6:30 PM as part of this extraordinary journey. After enduring countless days at sea and covering hundreds of kilometers, battling extreme wind, waves, and shark encounters, Damien’s arrival marks another milestone in his inspiring mission to raise awareness for mental health.
Community Celebration in Newcastle
Residents of the Hunter Region are invited to welcome Damien as he rides down to The Rydges Hotel Marina, with an expected arrival time of 7 PM. This event offers a unique opportunity to cheer on an endurance athlete who is pushing the limits for an incredible cause.
Water Sports Central is proud to support Damien Rider and the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.
To further support this mission, attendees can purchase a Water Bike using the promotional code "Damien Rider". Proceeds will go toward Damien’s cause and the Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation. For inquiries, visit: www.watersportscentral.com.au.
Key Facts:
Through "Heart of the Sea II," Damien aims to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health research. By supporting the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, the event underscores the importance of finding innovative solutions to mental health challenges while spreading a message of resilience and gratitude.
Damien Rider has been open about his personal experiences with childhood abuse, which he endured for many years. This deeply traumatic chapter of his life significantly shaped his mission and fueled his passion for raising awareness about child abuse, trauma, and mental health.
Rider has described his abuse as severe and persistent, and he has spoken about how it left lasting emotional scars. For many years, he coped with feelings of isolation, pain, and anger stemming from the trauma. His journey of healing involved confronting his past, finding ways to process his experiences, and using extreme endurance challenges as a form of therapy and empowerment.
Through his athletic feats and public speaking, Damien has highlighted the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and finding purpose beyond pain. He advocates for survivors to take control of their narrative and emphasizes the power of physical and mental challenges in building strength and confidence.
About us:
Damien has completed many extreme challenges, getting national and international attention, all in the name of raising awareness of mental health. His remarkable feats include:
*About Damien Rider* Damien Rider is a world-record-holding endurance athlete, high-performance coach, and global mental health advocate. With a fearless spirit and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Damien inspires others to transform their lives, reminding everyone that within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and connection. Damien Rider is an Australian extreme endurance athlete, motivational speaker, author, and mindset coach. He is renowned for undertaking extraordinary solo endurance challenges to raise awareness for child abuse and mental health issues. He created the "One Breath Meditation" technique, a modern approach to traditional meditation and breathwork designed to help individuals achieve self-trust and overcome perceived limitations. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Rider is a sought-after speaker and life coach, sharing his experiences to inspire others to overcome trauma and adversity. *About Wayex* Wayex is the easiest way to buy, sell, spend, and withdraw cryptocurrency in Australia. With a user-friendly app and new web platform designed for both crypto novices and experts, Wayex lets you manage your crypto portfolio seamlessly. We are the first native crypto Visa card in Australia, use your Wayex Visa card to spend fiat or crypto effortlessly. Luke Lombe, Director of Wayex says ¨We're thrilled to be a major sponsor of Damien´s journey , standing proudly by his side as he reaches for new heights and inspires us all¨. |
Contact details:
0459 123 226