Making a difference through Vitamin Sea

This year, as part of the Vitamin Sea Project, we have launched several small group pilots, Seaful Paddleboarding sessions in the Devon area. These pilots are to help create first connections with the ocean and waterways for those who need it most.

For North Devon, we are once again working with the Pickwell Foundation. We are holding sessions for displaced Afghans in North Devon who are supported under the Afghan Resettlement Scheme (ARAP). Afghan Resettlement Scheme (ARAP) – Pickwell Foundation

The first of these paddles took place in June. Our paddlers were Mohammad and Aman, both 16 years old, neither of whom had paddled before. They arrived with Pam, a Pickwell volunteer, who kindly drove them the 30 minutes from Braunton to Bideford so they could have this experience.

Getting ready for launching:

We watched the water for a bit, took our two ocean breaths and chatted about the importance of the ocean to the oxygen that we breathe. Got kitted up, covered off all the safety aspects and essentials for paddling and were soon getting on the water.

Conditions for the paddle were good; we did have a touch of a northerly breeze, giving us a little push upriver.

Both boys were nervous but turned out to be naturals on the boards.

Aman, not long after launching, found himself in the river and learnt to self-rescue very quickly. This helped grow his confidence, and he learnt two different techniques.

Mohammad has a particularly strong paddle and was soon up on his feet, learning different paddle techniques, including the reverse paddle.

The feedback after the session was brilliant, with the boys excited about the experience and skills they learnt.

Both boys had great humour and this session was as much fun for me and gap year volunteer Nancy as it was for them.

Nancy had to say:

“ Watching the participants grow in confidence in the short SUP session we had was lovely. Both Lads were so lovely and smiley and lots of humour, even with lots of falling off!

They picked up skills quickly such as back paddling to turn and both managed to stand up and paddle up the river.

It was very rewarding as a volunteer to watch young people enjoy and gain new skills and experiences, especially when not having done any water sports before.”

Making a difference through the Vitamin Sea Project can only be achieved through the support of our volunteers and donors.

If you would like to donate so we can run more projects, you can here.

Written by Lorna Evans

Photos: Nancy Hickson