My name is Andrea, I live in Italy and I’m almost 37 years old. I’m a teacher and have been working for 10 years with people who have learning disabilities.
I strongly believe that nature has a positive effect on people, it helps to relax the mind and release the stress of busy life!
In my experience, I find it beneficial to go paddleboarding regularly and I wanted to let the people with whom I work try out this sport.
To do this, I created a project which I called #natureing which allows people with learning disabilities to live their own experiences in nature. I believe everyone has the right to be able to live in contact with nature.
The aim of the project is to provide meaningful experiences to people with learning disabilities, who attend the CSE Campus in Cascina Biblioteca. It’s a social cooperative that supports the most vulnerable people in society.
The Bluefin Cruise Carbon 15’ tandem SUP accompanied us all summer, and gave us the opportunity to paddle with up to three people in total safety, while exploring rivers and lakes.
People with disabilities who have carried out our adventures have repeatedly said how the sound of the paddle in the water, the movement of the seabed and the silence – interrupted only by the chirping of birds, made them feel good. And both staff and family members have witnessed the serenity it brings them!
We all have pleasant memories of an excursion this summer in Val di Mello, a magical valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We did a short trek to reach a small lake and paddled all afternoon!
A paddle can be really good for your body, mind and soul.
