The Paddler ezine Issue 51 Winter 2020 | Page 97

Surrounding all of us are a myriad of green and blue spaces including cycle routes, footpaths, rivers, lakes and canals. Top tip is to purchase a paper Ordnance Survey Explorer map and explore your local area (it’s so much more revealing than digital to find local sites to explore and also to make notes). This mini project will definitely feed the soul and connect you to your local wildlife. Don’t forget that we need to log and submit ancient footpaths and rights of way by 2026. (see Ramblers Don’t Lose Your Way). The Song of the Paddle concept was promoted through the work of the late Bill Mason, canoeist, guide and environmentalist. His lifetime of exploring led to a mastery of the art of paddling. I love the feeling of knifing the paddle back to the start of the stroke, ‘making the catch’. You can tune into the song of the blade doing its work. The paddle slicing elegantly through the water equally transfers nicely to ‘feeling grounded’. It connects us to our happy place and we can exist in the moment. There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature to restore energy, boost your well-being and promote good mental health. Here are a few of my favourite ways to recharge my batteries… OUTDOOR AND COLD WATER SWIMMING Outdoor swimming is one of the best trends to re- emerge after we lost so many lidos and outdoor pools. The resurgence has been astonishing as people have enjoyed taking a dip in the sea, lakes, and local rivers. Cold water swimming leaves you with a positive tingle and glow as you send your blood pumping around generating that feeling of ‘I’m alive’. Of course as paddlers we can access secluded pools and beach spots. There is an odd juxtaposition as paddlers in that we try to stay in the craft rather than embracing the water and swimming at regular opportunities. I now make this part of my plans to swim in secluded pools, tarns and river locations. well-being There are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature to restore energy, boost your and promote good mental health wrong kit, dark, bad weather and other such mind bending agendas diminish your outdoor time and happiness. Keep a SUP in the boot, phone a friend, and make time to paddle, One of the reasons I love the DW (Devizes to Westminster Race) is that it requires training throughout the winter what ever the weather and conditions. GO BARE FEET Getting my toes onto cool grass, warm sand or wading in the sea or a river is a small slice of paradise. I believe it must link to the same synapses and energy lines that reflexology unlocks. Go for it, whilst waiting for a shuttle or at a lunch stop or rest, whip off your socks and flex your toes in the water. SIT SPOTS Sit spots have been highlighted in the world of bushcraft over many years as a great way to let nature come to you. For me there is an acceptance that I am shut off from other distractions. I believe there is a trade-off where you tune in with your senses and in return are accepted by the wildlife and nature at large. GO PADDLING BY KAYAK, CANOE OR SUP Find your song of the paddle by getting out onto a river, lake or canal. Avoid deadlines and mobile phone calls to enjoy the gentle ripples, splashes and reflections that make this pastime so invigorating. Beware of inertia preventing you from paddling, ThePADDLER 97