Life is all about balance - Adults taking to the Paddleboards like ducks to water

Rebalancing lives, seeking companionship, keeping fit and helping overcome grief are all reasons why adults over 50 have been taking up Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre's (WOEC) paddleboarding courses.

Mark Chaffey recently completed a kayaking course with WOEC and lead instructor Tanya Budd, which he described as "fantastic" and leapt at the opportunity to undertake a six-week paddleboarding block.

The paddleboarding course has taken the group to the River Frome in Wareham, the River Brit at West Bay and to the River Stour at Eye Bridge, Wimborne, and Mark has been impressed by the enthusiastic leaders: "They are so encouraging and make everyone at ease. There is a great sense of camaraderie and friendship with the others."

For Mark, getting out and meeting people has been helpful for him as his partner passed away last year and he's been captivated by the beautiful Dorset wildlife glimpsed from the board, including swans and their signets.

Debbie Ruddock leapt at the chance to join the group when she spotted a social media advert for a summer solstice taster session, having completed the kayaking course. A keen rower with the Weymouth Rowing Club, Debbie has been keen to try a news sport having only been lent a board by some Spanish friends.

"It really has been a fantastic course. The instructors are brilliant and provide you with everything and it's been lovely to meet new friends."

WOEC has also been providing support for Michael Trunks, through the Access to Work Programme. Michael has been working alongside two instructors on the course and he has seen how people have grown in confidence: "They are now much more independent, more balanced on the board," he said.

Tanya Budd, WOEC Centre Manager, said the evening three-hour, six-week paddleboarding course was proving very popular among people in their 50's and 60's who were looking to keep fit and meet new people.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said always being open to new skills as we age was very important: "Having courses like this where people can try out new sports, learn new skills and meet new people is fantastic."

Notes to Editors

Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) is run by Dorset Council and is situated on the Jurassic World Heritage site. It benefits from easy access to a variety of high-quality water sports and climbing venues and offers a range of opportunities for adults - Activities for adults at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) - Dorset Council