Regardless of whether it’s a wrapped up winter paddle in a canoe, or a shorts and sup summer paddleboard trip, paddling has become my happy place.
The River Stour has become my safe space, an area to relax, be surrounded by nature and green/blue space and the escapism that is paddling. Canoeing for the first time 5 years ago with Canoe Wild exposed me to a type of activity that not only satisfied my love of physical activity but also my passion for nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Since then, I have kayaked, paddle boarded and sometimes swam in the River Stour with Canoe Wild religiously.
The Fordwich section of the River Stour is stunningly beautiful, in May through to September the water runs crystal clear, and you can see the fish swimming, the reeds and the kingfishers flitting between the overhanging willow trees. It’s incredibly quiet and despite being only a few miles outside Canterbury City centre, you feel utterly tranquil and emersed in nature. Several times I have brought friends to experience the river with me and kayaked from Fordwich down to Grove Ferry and every time been amazed at how much wildlife we see. Swans, ducks, fish, the most striking dragonflies, gannets, cormorants, the flash if blue from the king fishers, herons… loads of herons. It’s really special. My friends are always impressed and can see why paddling has become so important to me.
People talk about mental health and I believe everyone is different, has different needs, feels things differently, experiences life in different ways but I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t said how much they have enjoyed paddling the river, felt peaceful by being by the water, felt well for being active and outdoors and thoroughly loved the experience of paddling the river. I get so much from my time on the water and to share that with friends and family has opened up their minds to the power of paddling.
Having become a regular now with the Canoe Wild team myself and a friend have started attending their Evening Paddle Group activities, meeting likeminded people that have started paddling and fallen in love with the River and paddling. We meet up a couple of times a month, some with our own paddleboards or kayaks, some hiring and no matter the weather or my mood that day, I always feel great afterwards. I have learnt and developed some paddling skills but mainly I have shared my love of place and activity with others who feel the same. It’s Powerful.
I encourage everyone to give paddling a go, to get out on the water and experience nature, experience paddling and see if, like me, it improves your health and happiness.
In 2025 my goals are to prioritise me, take time and invest in the things that make me happy. I look forward to being on the water and hope my story helps encourage you to achieve your goals, to find your happy place and to be happy and healthy in body and mind.
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