Imagine floating gently on water with a backdrop of Scottish mountains, sea merging to sky, magical light cast over the landscape. If like me, you appreciate “time out” but still being outdoors and gently moving, there is nothing like sea kayaking as a powerful way to reset mind, body and spirit. This inspired me to create these Transformational Sea Kayaking Retreats in Scotland – to combine adventure and nature with a dose of ‘inner growth’.
Blue spaces in nature provide a calm and healing environment. The world’s ‘Blue Zones’ illustrate that the combination of nature, activity and connection with others in meaningful ways is crucial to our health and longevity. Read more about the 2024 sea kayaking retreat here. The location of these sea kayaking retreats – the Moray Coast – is a hidden gem of Scotland: a tapestry of rock and rolling natural beauty, an area flourishing with nature and history. The sea here is ever-changing, a reflection of the expansive sky that shifts from moody greys to brilliant blues. Dolphins and seal play in the waters, and charming fishing villages with unique character punctuate the hues of blue. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of sea kayaking, with coaching alongside nature to support you in navigating wherever you are in life.
The water-based retreats have sea kayaking as a focus. “I’ve always found nature to be like the CEO of my life. If I ever feel unclear, overwhelmed, stressed and even physically injured, relaxed time outside always seems to rebalance me.
I contributed a chapter about the healing power of nature to the book ‘Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection (Watkins Publishing, 2023). Being paralysed from the chest down, finding ways into nature and particularly these blue spaces has been fundamental to my wellbeing. I spent over a decade committed to a Paralympic cycling career, led primarily by my desire to spend more time outside and to move my body, and now I am excited to help other people do the same. Any challenge in life can stretch and stress us and create imbalance in our mind and body, so we can all benefit hugely from getting into these restorative blue spaces”.
The benefits of sea kayaking
The focus of these sea kayaking retreats is on wellness, with multiple benefits such as:
Meditative Movement – The gentle rhythm of paddling and the sound of the sea create a perfect flow state for relaxation.
Stress Reduction – Time on the water helps quiet the mind, improve focus, and reduce anxiety.
Natural Healing – The fresh ocean air and immersion in nature enhance mental well-being and provide a powerful reset for the body and mind.
Confidence Boosting – Gain new skills, challenge yourself, and experience the thrill of independent exploration on the water.
Low-Impact Fitness – Strengthen your core, arms, and shoulders without the strain of high-impact activities.
Whatever you do, you’ll be enhancing your immune system and benefiting your wellbeing, and supporting your metabolism and mitochondria. In conjunction with a group of others with sufficient space, you’ll also be helping yourself further with feelings of belonging and connection.
All instruction, equipment and high quality guiding is included. See ‘Scotland Retreats’ on this page for more information and to enquire. Next dates are 28th June – 2nd July.