Meet me: Paul Mackenzie

Hi, my name is Paul Mackenzie or "Mac", a nickname earned many years ago when there were too many Paul's on section! I am married with two grown-up sons. I was born and grew up in South Africa and worked on a game park as a river guide before joining the police. 

I have been a Police Officer for 26 years now, having joined at 23 in Hampshire and transferred to Devon and Cornwall in Spring 2003. I have spent my career on response, pro-active teams and am now on a support group. 

I had never surfed at all until I was posted to North Devon and was introduced to it by a colleague in 2003. I was instantly hooked on an activity that I found to be physically challenging and exhilarating but absolutely relaxing at the same time. I found I was able to switch off from all the stresses and strains of work and home life and just focus on the moment. I now spend as much time in the sea as I can, whether that is surfing, snorkelling or just swimming or paddling with the dog. 

Like most Police Officers, I have faced many front line challenges and managed to deal with the associated stresses and strains well through the support of colleagues, family and friends. I have had to use a range of tools do this and have always found that more often than not this involves a surf with friends or a long dog walk with family or friends. The most important and common thread is being able to talk and discuss how I am feeling. 

The death of my father in 2021 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's bought home to me the importance of having a support network both at home and at work. Having the support of work colleagues as well as family is undoubtedly a major part of maintaining good mental health. I gained an understanding of how difficult it can be to trust and confide in others, but if you do, how beneficial it can be. 

Witnessing my youngest son's fiance become a Paramedic, resonated the power of a support network, aiding her in how to cope with the stresses of blue light life, whether from the nature of jobs to the pains of shift patterns. Being a support to help guide her through these challenges furthered my reasoning to join Surfwell.

I am really keen now to be able to help provide others with the tools and methods to obtain and maintain a good mental health... and, of course, share my passion for surfing and the sea!

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