Donning fluro and "freeing the funk" with OneWave's Grant Trebilco

Taking a dip or surf in the ocean: there's nothing quite like it, right?

For Grant Trebilco, sometimes one wave is all it takes to raise awareness of, and get people talking about mental health, and it's the combined power of "saltwater therapy, surfing and fluro," along with Grant's own experiences that inspired him to launch OneWave in Bondi in 2013.

Since then Grant and his non-profit surf community have gone on to host Fluro Friday sunrise sessions at more than 200 beaches globally, and OneWave's Free the Funk school programs have positively impacted more than 50,000 people—and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Take a read below as Grant reflects on his own life journey and that of OneWave's, shares how the Bondi community has supported his vision, talks us through the power of the "stoke factor check-in," and a special 12th birthday event the OneWave community has got planned on Friday, 21st March, which you can register for here.

Photography: Top - @shannonglasson, Bottom - @christian.quinlan_

Let's go back to the beginning. How did you spend your early years—both personally and professionally—and what brought you to Oz?

I grew up in New Zealand, surfing and playing rugby. After I finished uni, I spent three years working in marketing, but then I got the travel bug. I headed to Canada for a snowboarding season and then to London.

What was meant to be a one year trip turned into three, and I loved being able to sneak in Europe trips, but I missed the ocean and sunny days big time. So, Sydney it was! I've lived in Bondi most of the last 12 years, and it's pretty damn hard to beat.

Tell us a little about the OneWave story. What was it that prompted its launch, and how do you and OneWave aim to continue to inspire others now 12 years on?

When I was diagnosed with bipolar in 2012, surfing and good people helped me most. Sometimes one wave really is all it takes.

So, one Friday morning in March 2013, I threw on a shirt and tie and went surfing solo at Bondi to try and start some conversations about mental health—and Fluro Friday's were born.

Sammy Samsam was the first legend to jump on board and help grow the OneWave community into what it is today. He's the biggest frother and the kindest human going, and we've been working together on OneWave ever since.

OneWave believes that everyone should have the chance to ride waves and talk about mental health without being judged. In 2025 our goal is to impact 15,000 people through OneWave's preventative mental health programs and we couldn’t do it without the amazing support from the community.

"When I was diagnosed with bipolar in 2012, surfing and good people helped me most. Sometimes one wave really is all it takes."

Photography: Bottom - @beaupilgrim

You held your first ever Fluro Friday in Bondi. What role has the local community played in helping you further your mission over the years?

The Bondi community has been unreal and has supported OneWave since day one. SOBO Photos and ::Uge from Aquabumps captured photos of the first Fluro Friday, and ::Uge the legend shared it on the Aquabumps blog that same day.

That got me so stoked to keep surfing in fluro for mental health every week! And luckily more and more good humans started showing up in their fluro every week too, and the Bondi OneWave crew hasn't missed a Fluro Friday since! I'm super grateful for all the amazing humans who make the community what it is.

From Bondi, and beyond—you’ve now held Fluro Fridays all over the globe! What have some of your highlights and learnings been since starting OneWave?

We are so lucky to have so many volunteer OneWave Tribe Leaders who've created OneWave communities at their local beaches. It's thanks to these legends that Fluro Friday's have spread to more beaches around the world.

One of the biggest highlights is seeing people share waves and stories at Fluro Fridays, and realise they don't have to face mental health challenges alone.

Then there's the Free the Funk School Tour, where every June we run free mental health school programs across Australia and New Zealand. Seeing groms in their brightest fluro and sharing their Free the Funk tips is what it's all about!

Some of Bondi's biggest highlights are when Prince Harry and Meghan joined Fluro Friday in 2018 and OneWave's 10th Birthday in 2022, when the Bondi community created a fluro wave for mental health along the entire beach from South to North Bondi. Both of those events were unreal and I still can't believe they happened!

What are your key piece/s of advice for 'freeing the funk,' or managing our mental health?

The biggest thing I've learned is that you don't have to face mental health challenges alone. Make sure you treat yourself like you treat your mates, and don't ever be afraid to reach out for help. When I finally opened up to my mates about having bipolar, it honestly changed my life.

And never underestimate the power of a stoke factor check-in—me and my mates check-in to see how our stoke factor is from one to 10, and if it's below five, we ask: "What's one thing that would help lift your stoke factor?" Even better if you can combine exercise with a stoke factor check-in to help clear the head noise. Also, I find it's easier to open up about mental health when you're side by side—whether it’s out in the waves or on a coastal walk.

"The Bondi community has been unreal and has supported OneWave since day one. SOBO Photos and ::Uge from Aquabumps captured photos of the first Fluro Friday, and ::Uge the legend shared it on the Aquabumps blog that same day."

Photography: Bottom - @aquabumps

How do you spend an average day in Bondi? What are some of your favourite local haunts and hangouts?

I start most days by getting salty—whether it's for a surf or swim, and then I love a good coffee from Birichina or Will & Co. I love how there are so many people up winning the morning in Bondi and you always bump into crew for a good yarn!

Depot or Banana Blossom are always good spots for lunch and Rocker is an epic spot for dinner and drinks. I can't leave out Icebergs—some laps in the pool always help lift the stoke factor when the waves aren't good.

OneWave is a not-for-profit. How can others support all the amazing work you do?

If you'd like to donate to help us provide more free mental health programs for kids, that would be amazing!

What's next for you and OneWave—are there any events or initiatives coming up that Bondi locals and those further afield can get involved with?

We'd love to see everyone at Bondi's Fluro Friday, happening every week at 6:30am—we meet in front of Bondi Pavilion. Come down for a surf or swim and coffee after at Surfish—everyone is welcome and you don't have to be a surfer to get involved—ask for Chloe or Dave.

On Friday, 21st March we'll be celebrating 12 years of fluro for mental health and would love to see everyone down there! You can find out more on our website and socials.

Also, if you would like us to run a free mental health program at your school send us an email: hello@onewaveisallittakes.com and we would love to chat about making it happen.

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