A different way to engage with nature
Despite our name nearly all the team at Wellness Walks are also involved with some form of water-based activity – so slowly over the last year the idea to offer a new way for people to be socially engaged with the natural world has taken shape.
We know that not everyone can (or wants to) walk far – and a lot of people want to get outside with others…and so we trialled the idea, and then launched, Wellness on Water on Saturday 13th of July.
What a day!
Canoes in the morning....
With the very distinct briefing that we weren’t intending to get wet – but we were intending on an adventure we headed out on to Derwentwater under the expert guidance of our very own Beth.
Slowly but surely quiet became chatty, people started to relax – we learnt to work together as a team to turn the canoes, go in a straight line – eventually we were even confident to stand up and move about – take pictures.
And of course – all the time we were engaging with each other, trusting strangers, learning new skills – all foundational supports for positive mental health. It was also a big bonus that we were getting some spectacular views!
Paddleboards in the afternoon....
After a pause for coffee and cake we waved most of the mornings group off and welcomed some new people to try paddleboarding.
Fantastically kitted out by our friends at Nichol End Marina we headed back out on to the lake with the specific intention of getting wet! and ….of course… we learnt that we were totally safe, Beth showed us both elegant and slightly less elegant ways to get back on the boards and soon the air was filled with laughter – and the occasional sound of splashing.
The time flew by – but everyone learnt something, new friendships were made – and some of the have subsequently been back and done it all again!
Final Thoughts
Just as we thought Wellness on Water was a huge success – seeing poeople go from doubting to knowing, from unsure to certain and hearing so much laughter and chatter we are now fully committed to making it a regular event on our Calendar – the next session will be in October – keep an eye on the website for exact dates as we know it will book up fast.
We thought we’d leave the final words to a some of the participants:
“Having a go at a new sport with other people was such fun. We encouraged each other. Beth was a fantastic instructor and Kelvyn great support too. The water and scenery were stunning. I felt energised and exhilarated. Thank you everyone!” Jen
“The calmness, cheery welcome and clear instruction from both Beth and Kelvyn were great. I felt so safe on the water, and the teamwork was amazing.” Christine
“(I felt…) Adventurous, brave, a participant rather than a bystander. Part of something safe. Free from intruding thoughts … you can’t learn to paddleboard AND think of problems!” Joanne