What is Mindful Paddling , and why is it good for Mental Health?
Posted: 15 September 2022
Why is Mindful Paddling good for Mental Health?
With more of us learning to tackle mental wellbeing in unique, healthy, and mindful ways, we ask, how does mindful paddling help and what does it involve?
Mindful paddling is a form of SUP that incorporates mindful practises, venturing to bring a peaceful presence to stand up paddling while building a stronger connection to nature, reducing elements of stress and anxiety, and getting more out of an already mindful experience.
These sessions may include simple practises such as breathing exercises, a heightened awareness of your paddle stroke, awareness of the environment around you, meditative techniques, and ultimately learning to be fully present and centred.
Why is it becoming more popular?
We’ve seen a vaster understanding of the benefits of meditation and mindfulness in the last few years, coupled with a surge in popularity among paddling. A naturally stress-reducing experience, paddling can help to keep anxiety at bay as a great source of both mental and physical exercise. The gentle, rhythmic movement of the calm waters and return to nature goes a long way, helping to ease tensions from the everyday.
Bringing mindful practises to your SUP sessions while immersed in the calming waters and natural environments only heighten the benefits of paddling. Deeper levels of peace and connection to nature are achieved, with the focus on paddle technique and movement truly helping you be grounded in the moment.
Helping to build healthy ways to a cope and reduce any lingering stress and anxiety you may be holding on to, you can improve your mindful practises out on the water and learn to incorporate them in your everyday life.
Where to do it?
We’re seeing more and more SUP schools expanding their services and putting mindful paddling on their SUP activities offering. Wittering Stand Up Paddle, based on River Avon in Worcestershire, England, UK, share their knowledge in their specialised session, SUP Therapy: A Mindful Paddle Boarding Experience.
In this session, a focus is placed on mindful meditation through paddling, learning to incorporate valuable practises such as movement of paddle stroke, awareness of breathing, connection to surroundings, and a strong sense of presence between the individual, the board and the water.
Wittering SUP can be found in Arden Sailing Club, Worcestershire. Reach out and book directly via their website now!
https://www.witteringsup.co.uk/sup-therapy-mindful-paddleboarding-experience/
Similarly, ASI trainer Leanne Bird of Leanne Bird Wellbeing & Adventure bring a number of wellbeing techniques to all sessions, with a dedicated goal of empowering students and helping them discover their freedom. Whether it be surf, SUP, yoga, or any other of the self-improvement services Leanne offers, her core values are entirely person-centred, coming from a place of genuine care and understanding.
Find our more about Leanne’s comprehensive understanding of wellbeing and list of services and experiences below:
https://leannebird.co.uk/
Your new-found mindful meditation skills can amplify the mental wellness power of SUP both on and off the water – so why not try something new and reap the benefits of this rewarding approach to SUP.
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About ASI
ASI is a professional membership and training organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
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