Paddle boarding aids survivors
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 in the pilot programme of 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 Okahu Bay to get out on to the water.
While she was quite apprehensive to get up on the board at first she is now hooked.
Van der Linden now paddles at least once a week during the winter and even more in the summer months and feels like she’s found her ‘tribe’.
‘‘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.
‘‘You don’t sit around talking about it, but it’s a time to go and have fun and it’s incredibly supportive,’’ she says.
Stuart says trying something new like paddle boarding helps give you confidence.
‘‘I love seeing the pure joy on people’s faces when they try and succeed the first time.
‘‘The more options you can offer people to exercise the better as you don’t know what will gel for them.’’
Stuart, alongside Stettler, are hosting their annual Pod: Be True SUP Yoga and Wellness Retreat on October 9 at Okahu Bay to raise money for the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Trust.
This event is a celebration of Pink October and brings a focus on how exercise, nutrition and mental health can help in reducing the risk of cancer.
Visit supsnz.com/events/pod for more information.