Paddle boarding aids survivor
When Jan van der Linden gets out on to the smooth shores of Okahu Bay, she feels at home.
Van der Linden was diagnosed with breast cancer two-and-a-half years ago.
‘‘When anyone is told they have a serious illness it’s shocking and all people want to do is be well and do things for themselves and go forward,’’ she says.
In February 2015 Van der Linden started stand up paddle boarding (SUP).
She started at PaddleOn which was started by Victoria Stuart and Natalie Stettler.
‘‘We started the Pop event years ago with the intention of sharing our love of paddle boarding with people,’’ Stuart says.
‘‘We realised that she (Stettler) had cancer and another friend had cancer and they were using it as part of their rehab so we knew there were benefits.’’
Van der Linden underwent surgery to remove the cancer and has been given the all clear, she now travels all the way from Waimauku to get out on to the water.
While she was quite apprehensive to get up on the board at first she is now hooked.
‘‘To go through the whole cancer journey and now to be able to spend time with other people who have been through the same thing as you and understand completely.’’
Go to supsnz.com for more information.