Without doubt, paddle boarding this summer has helped get back to the old me – physically and mentally. There is something challenging and fulfilling about being on the water. I still class myself as a novice and I’m happy to learn. I enjoyed a couple of lessons in July 2020 on the River Exe, to further my skills such as climbing back on the board and standing with more confidence and learnt how to turn and go forward!
In terms of my recovery – firstly there was the confidence issue, was I strong enough to get out on the water, would I be able to balance, could I sustain any length of time on my paddleboard? Thankfully the answer was yes.
My scars from mastectomy and reconstruction surgery had healed enough and the Pilates and physiotherapy had strengthened my core so I could balance again, and I could paddle without my new boob being an issue. Paddle boarding is a whole-body workout on the water, my body had let me down by having cancer, but out on the water I felt more connected, it didn’t matter that I’d had a mastectomy and reconstruction. On the water I was whole.