Many of us came across challenges that were stressful, overwhelming, and caused strong emotions, deteriorating our mental and physical status. Public health actions, such as social distancing, were necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they made us feel isolated and lonely and increased stress and anxiety.

When it comes to our body, it is good to acknowledge that mental health and physical health are intertwined.

One can rarely have one without the other, they feed each other. In that regard, water sports are notoriously therapeutic; whether it’s swimming in a pool, paddling through a lake, surfing the waves, exploring ocean depths, or kayaking down at the river, there’s something undeniably thrilling and soothing about being in or on the water. People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land. They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain.

Physical exercise, in any form, releases hormones called endorphins, which are natural secretions that lighten our moods and makes us experience happiness and positivity.

Inside the water, the feeling of lightness and tranquility is enough to help us relax and unwind. Scientific studies have shown that simply being near bodies of water can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

SUP takes these benefits a step further.

A recent study about The physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of stand up paddle boarding has shown that there is a positive correlation between the sport and self-rated quality of life.

Stand Up Paddleboarding appears to be an enjoyable, easy to learn alternative compared to traditional forms of training. It also shows a significant improvement in aerobic and anaerobic fitness, core strength and self-rated quality of life.

The combination of the repetitive motion of paddling, combined with breathing in fresh air while out on the water can very quickly get you into a zen state that will calm the body and decrease your levels of cortisol, the main stress hormone, improving your general outlook in life.

Another bonus to exercising on the water is that it forces you to be present.

All of the mind oscillations disappear while focusing on those same repetitive paddling strokes, trying to stay balanced on your board.

More often than not, SUP takes place when the weather is warm and sunny. Sun exposure is one of the best sources of vitamin D, which is a necessary nutrient for many functions in the body.
One of the important functions of vitamin D is its ability to enhance concentration and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, rebuilding and fortifying the immune system.

With a stand up paddle board (SUP), it takes no more than 20-30 minutes to get a full dose of the “nature pill” your body and mind need to improve your mental health and overall well-being.

As the stress hormones burden fades away, the energy and productivity level begin to rise.

Furthermore, joining a SUP club or just getting on board, is often a brilliant way of socializing and meeting new people. The benefits of socializing on mental health are truly worth mentioning:
-It boosts immunity, confidence and self-esteem

-It increases the brain health

-It promotes purpose, connecting like-minded people while combating monotony.

-It satisfies the human need for belonging

Plus, doing something that you enjoy, helps you feel good and makes you happy!

SUPinCrete wishes to be a strong advocate for mental health by promoting our sport and encouraging people to try it on and benefit from its numerous properties.

Our location in Chania, Crete, being a wind-shielded bay with calm waters, makes it accessible and ideal for any level of paddler requiring absolutely no prior experience.

Always at your disposal

SUPinCrete

SOURCES:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm

https://www.makeitmissoula.com/2020/09/most-common-benefits-of-water-sports-on-mental-and-physical-health/
https://www.viewpointcenter.com/blog/need-mental-health-awareness-month/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://herosup.com/blogs/info/how-paddle-boarding-benefits-your-mental-health
https://good-trails.com/2019/01/15/mental-health-benefits-of-paddleboarding/
https://www.supconnect.com/opinion/what-are-the-mental-health-benefits-of-sup
https://wwws.fitnessrepublic.com/5-physical-and-mental-health-benefits-of-water-sports.html
https://www.islesurfandsup.com/paddle-boarding-mental-health/

April 13, 2021

Stefanos Averkiou

Safety, social responsibility

Booking and Joining activities in the post Covid-19 era - What you should know before you go

April 13, 2021

Stefanos Averkiou

Safety, social responsibility

As the world begins to reopen and traveling is slowly bouncing back, the tourism industry has developed comprehensive protocols for the operation of all types of tourism businesses or facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic created the need to rebuild our procedures and protocols, make informed choices, educate our team, review certain operations and reinvent our business structure in order to protect our guests, our crew, our community, and families.

We do so with the greatest responsibility, aligning with the protocols, guidelines, and updates of reputable sources such as the Greek Ministry of Health, WHO, the Hellenic Coast Guard, and the World Travel and Tourism Council, which are constantly revisited as required on an on-going basis.

Greece will welcome tourists if before travel they are either vaccinated, or have antibodies, or test negative (for COVID-19). All tourists will be subject to random testing.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its Members praise the Greek government for its tremendous efforts and strategic steps taken to restart international travel from 14 May. There are plans to open our doors even earlier than that.

However, even with such precautionary measures in effect, masks and social distancing will still be required.

SUPinCrete will continue to apply certain safety measures and ask our guests to abide by them.

Hand sanitizers and masks will be available for everyone throughout our venue.
Though we are located at an open space by the sea, distancing will still be applied requiring a minimum distance of 2 meters.
Small groups and private tours will continue to be our policy.
All common spaces and equipment (paddles, boards, PFD) are cleaned thoroughly and sanitized in between the tours. Your kit will be just for you to use. Please do not share.
Keep your distance in the water as well. Though our boards are 10ft 6 long (more than 2 meters) in length, our instructors will also make sure that you maintain the proper distance throughout your tour.
Upon arrival, participants will be required to sign a waiver form.
In case you present any symptoms, please do not attend the tour until you get tested and receive a medical clearance. Contact us prior to your tour and we will discuss your options. We accept a free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.

Even with such changes, your time with SUPinCrete is bound to make up for the lost time due to the lockdowns imposed.
We are more than ready and eager to welcome you to Chania, back into the water and offer the fun and amusing experience you have been dreaming of for the past year.

Keep your spirits up!

Our warmest regards

SUPinCrete

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