SUP Therapy

How can mindfulness help with the chaotic challenges of modern life?

As an evidence-based intervention, mindfulness, at its core, helps us enjoy the freedom that comes from a healthy relationship with our thoughts and our minds.

Most recently studies have shown a sustained mindfulness practice can reduce stress, improve mental health and general wellbeing, improve focus and concentration, allow better emotional regulation, help with pain management, improve relationships and improve sleep duration and quality. 

Mindfulness can fundamentally improve your quality of your life.

Click here to find out a little more about mindfulness practice and our teaching approach to it.

How can nature reduce stress and improve your wellbeing?

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Interacting with natural environments, such as water bodies, has been shown to reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol and decrease feelings of anxiety. The calming effect of water can promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Enhanced Mental Health: Spending time in natural settings has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and greater overall psychological well-being. The tranquility of water environments can provide a therapeutic escape from the pressures of daily life.

Improved Cognitive Function: Exposure to nature has been associated with enhanced cognitive function, including improved attention, memory, and creativity. Being near water may stimulate a sense of clarity and focus, promoting mental clarity and problem-solving abilities.

Boosted Mood: Water environments have been found to elevate mood and increase positive emotions. The sight and sound of water can evoke feelings of happiness, awe, and tranquility, contributing to an uplifted mood and emotional balance.

Increased Physical Activity: Engaging in activities like paddleboarding on water encourages physical activity, which is beneficial for overall health and well-being. Regular exercise in natural environments can improve cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.

Connection to Nature: Being close to water fosters a sense of connection to the natural world, promoting feelings of awe, appreciation, and ecological awareness. This connection to nature is associated with greater environmental stewardship and a sense of belonging.

Social Connection: Participating in activities like SUP Therapy in natural settings can foster social connection and support. Sharing experiences in nature with others promotes bonding, empathy, and a sense of community, which are important for mental health and resilience.

What will your SUP Therapy session include?

• Meet and greet at the Sailing Club
• We kit you out with your paddle, board and safety gear
• Our land based briefing (approx 15 minutes) will teach you:
• How to kneel paddle (forwards / backwards / turning)
• How to transition from kneeling to standing
• How to paddle correctly (including the 5 phases of the paddle stroke)
• Safety and self-rescue techniques; how to fall correctly and how to get back on your board
• We will then carry our boards to the water, get in and practice our kneel paddling techniques
• Once you are happy and confident (usually about 15 minutes depending on your existing SUP experience) we will start to explore down the river, practice transitioning from kneeling to standing (never rushing this bit, all at your own pace) and have lots of fun as you learn a new skill in a beautiful environment
• Once we are paddling we can start to open up a conversation about whatever may have brought you here
• Alongside our paddling and talking we may explore some mindfulness practices or perhaps some light CBT exercises
• Everything will be invitational and explored in complete confidence
• Perhaps as we paddle back to base we might discuss an action plan for any personal goals you may have uncovered on our journey
• Learn how to safely exit the water followed by a warming hot chocolate!

The ideas and and practices shared here are evidence-based, accessible, non-secular, trauma-informed and compatible with all belief systems.