One hour of sleep, a plunge into Mount Main Beach at 1am, and a non-stop 40 hours of intense training is in store for these Tauranga Boys’ College prefects – all in the name of men’s mental health.

Some are missing ball dates at Tauranga Girls’ College for the challenge, and some mums don’t believe what they’re attempting is even possible.

But Tauranga Boys’ College head boy Kane McBrydie and prefects Jake Corney, Samuel Sutton, Bodhi Redwood, Reed Tong and Alex White are determined they can raise awareness about the “stigma” behind men’s mental health through this Navy SEAL style boot camp challenge.

This week, the boys all piled into the Sun Media office to explain the challenge they have laid out.

Kitted out in their TBC blazers, they explained the upcoming challenge is well researched, has a laid out timetable, and has professional physiotherapists and lifeguards on board to help with safety as they undergo 40 hours of arduous training.

When asked if they have allotted any time in the 40 hour scheudle for sleep, head boy Kane says: “Yes, we’ve got about one hour at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club”.

“And you know, I reckon we might even skip it,” prefect Bodhi Redwood jokingly replies.

The challenge will run from 4.00am Friday, September 15, to 8pm Saturday, September 16. Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

Kane says he first got the idea for the event after attending a head boy conference in Christchurch.

“At the event, everything seemed to circle back to mental health and sort of brought to light the importance of it all. I knew about it, but didn’t really consider it as much before.

“As the leaders of a boys’ school, we wanted to use this opportunity to hopefully change way a few people think about men’s mental health, and put on a big event which will really challenge us.”

Collectively the boys say they all share one goal: To make at least one person feel it is “okay” to talk about their mental health.

“It might sound cliche, but the people at our school are like brothers to us. We care about them and want them to speak out if they are suffering,” says Kane.

They will all be sacrificing sleep, and testing their willpower to stay on schedule throughout the 40 hours, which includes waka ama, intense gym sessions, cycling, swimming, running and “surf torture”.

When asked to describe surf torture, the boys collectively say it's the activity they are all looking forward to the least.

“It’s a thing they do in Navy SEAL training. We’re all going to go down into the surf, with water washing over us, and link arms to test our endurance. It is really a test of comradery, as we all have to hold each other accountable to stay in for a full 45 minutes.”

One of the surf torture sessions is scheduled in from 12.30am to 1.15am on the morning of Saturday, September 16, a time where the water will be “pretty cold”. Later that day, the boys will jump back in the water from 1.15pm to 2.00pm, and invite the public to attend to support them.

Although Kane says the group has partnered with the Movember charity to give people the option to donate, the focus remains on "raising awarenss, not funds" for men's mental health.

"The main message we want to spread is to check on your mates, your fathers and brothers. If someone looks like they need help, have a conversation, because it's okay to not be okay, and talking about it can make a world of difference."

If you need to talk:

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
• The Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
• Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
• The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797).