Credit Steph Barnicoat - pictured on my Bluefinsups board Grace given to me in 2019
What an honour to be invited to write for Platinum Magazine - the inspired magazine for inspiring women aimed at women in their 40s and above. It is a beautiful publication and I was thrilled to write for them about finding joy on a paddleboard, the health benefits of SUP and why you are never too old to fulfil a new dream and it is not too late to start a new sport.
As some of you may know, I began SUP in 2016 in the Lake District because I had injured my knee and was looking for a sport that would help me heal, get stronger and bring back some of the joy I had lost being in pain. From the moment I stood up on my board I felt like a warrior not a worrier! I feel that every time I step on my board!
Quote on the front of the magazine - my sea therapy brings me joy!
In the article, I also talk about the health benefits of paddleboarding:
It is a low impact, full-body workout building your core strength and improve balance and mobility.
It is an accessible sport and many women find that after a lesson or two with a qualified instructor they are feeling confident.
Because it is so much fun you don't really notice the workout you are getting!
For anyone who has had a negative experience of sport at school or is not fond of gyms, it is a great way to start a new sport and fall in love with movement. It makes you feel good about yourself.
It is a very welcoming and supportive community. This is really helpful if you are going through some life changes such as divorce, empty nesting or bereavement.
It is something you can do with a friend, partner, sister or daughter to create a new hobby together.
Being on the water has been shown to be beneficial for our mental wellbeing as well as many physical benefits. Many guests on my podcast or those I have paddled with say their troubles seem to float away!
SUP has truly changed my life so much that I have written a book about beautiful places to paddleboard and you can order it directly from the publishers https://www.adventurebooks.com/collections/guidebooks-travel/products/stand-up_paddleboarding_in_great_britain
Signing a few pre-orders at the publishers in Sheffield!
To find out more about Platinum magazine: https://www.platinum-mag.co.uk/
I'd love to hear if you try paddleboarding and please do get back to me if you have any questions. I'm always happy to help! Jo x