June 11, 2022

Overcoming Fear of Water

by Amber Bauer
People engaging in paddleboarding on a calm body of water with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background. Two people are kneeling on their boards while others stand or kneel, all enjoying the serene European landscape. | Support refugees across Europe

What’s more important – physical or mental health?

It’s a tough question isn’t it?

Because we don’t have the answer, we support both. In this case, what value do you put on the joy of escaping camp for a few hours, and of building confidence in the water? Of learning stand-up paddle boarding in an afternoon and coming out on top!?

Yesterday I watched three people experience joy, pride and achievement as they overcame their initial fear of water to become competent paddle boarders in just a few short hours. There was even attempts made to stand on the paddle boards, which inevitably means falling in the water, too.

Am I proud of them? You bet!! Like a mama bear with her cubs .

I really love our local partners and being able to support them. Brittany at RefuGym is a great example. Now I’ve experienced what she does as a water sports instructor first hand.. Oh yeah. I’m all in!

Beginners
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