“So how was work?”

I have the best job in the world. Today I got on the water with a young person to complete one of my sessions on a stand-up paddle board (SUP). The session was child led, engaging in a goal that was meaningful to them and in turn supporting of their developmental needs. This session was occupational focused and while developing much of their physical needs we worked on areas such as confidence, anxiety reduction and creating a strong sense of resilience.

SUP offers opportunity to build core strength in a real fun way. SUP is a dynamic activity that is highly effective for training and building up your core muscles. This activity will improve balance as the child/adult will be required to make constant postural adjustments as they move through the water. The child will use bilateral coordination skills when using the paddle while also activating their sensory systems. Before the child gets on the board their proprioceptive and tactile systems are activated as you can see them feeling the stones under their feet and using their upper body and core muscles to pump up the board (which is not easy!), while also problem solving to get the fins on and the board in the water. SUP will challenge vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems. SUP will promote strength building while offering a calming activity for a child/adult.