Newcastle Surfer Josh Levey Catches 7,000 Waves, Raises Over $95,000 for Homeless Charity

Josh Levey, a 21-year-old surfer from Newcastle, has successfully completed an ambitious challenge: catching 7,000 waves in one month. His extraordinary effort raised over $95,000 for a local homeless charity.

Levey, a competitive surfer since age seven, initiated the challenge to utilize his skills for a charitable cause, making a significant impact on his local community.

Challenge Details

Throughout January, Levey faced a wide range of ocean conditions. This included periods of heavy rain, strong swells, heatwave weather, and even stretches of small waves. Despite these varying and often challenging conditions, he maintained an impressive average of 225 waves daily.

The physical demands of the challenge were considerable. Levey experienced significant exhaustion, in addition to common surfer ailments like salt-reddened eyes and chapped lips due to prolonged exposure to sun and saltwater. Initially, his goal was set at 5,000 waves, but this ambitious target was increased to 7,000 waves during the course of the month.

Charitable Impact

The substantial funds raised will directly benefit Soul Hub, a vital Newcastle-based charity. Soul Hub provides essential food, support, and various services to vulnerable, homeless, and at-risk individuals within the city.

John Fowler, Soul Hub's guest support coordinator, emphasized the critical importance of community funding for the charity's ongoing operations. Soul Hub plays a significant role in the community, supporting approximately 250 people weekly and operating with the dedication of over 300 volunteers.

Levey expressed that the challenge aimed to convey the message that "love is the willingness to be inconvenienced by another."

Inspiration and Support

While Levey's efforts were not recorded as an official world record due to specific verification requirements, the initiative garnered widespread support. Fellow surfers, acclaimed athletes like Blakey Johnston and Nedd Brockmann, and the wider community all rallied behind his cause.

The culmination of Levey's challenge drew a significant crowd, with approximately 200 people attending Dixon Park Beach in Newcastle to witness him catch his 7,000th wave.