The Ocean Lake - so much more than just paddling

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been spending more time down at the lake in 2025. I feel very privileged to have access to our Ocean Lake. Even more so that it provides a perfect place for getting my paddle miles in for the training.

Every weekend over the past five months of my training for the 40km the weather has presented a different challenge but it has been grounding and spiritual each time. The quieter season (for birds and members) brings a very different perspective and feel to the bustling summer months - but I guess that's winter all over really!

I have been making a real effort to breathe during the time I spend at the lake - usually having fallen out of the truck, boots unlaced, breakfast crumbs down my top, apologising for being late and bursting with over-adrenalised energy!

AND BREATHE…

Taking time to breathe

Once I’ve ‘landed’ the slowing process begins; chatting, getting zipped into the dry suit and easing gracefully onto the water (a questionable image but I'm sticking with it!).

Water for me is such a representation of the power of nature, it is the source of life; without it very little on earth will survive - and we are up to 75% water after all. I love the power of it, its timely reminders that we are a moment in time, the interdependence between water and weather and how in the worst storm there can always be a calm place on it flat, still and mirror like.

Ok, so I'm getting a little deep here but the reality is time on the lake makes me feel better, and this is shared by many who come down to the water for sailing, paddling, canoeing or family time. Often the chat amongst me and the ladies I'm paddling with is how we didn't feel like coming out today, the dramas happening at home, the jobs we've left undone and the menopause but how much fitter we feel from paddling, plus the weight we have lost and how we have the ability to be present together.

A recent WSC request for members to share 'What the Ocean Lake means to them' showed that it was undeniable that it has a power for everyone that comes to it, and the frequent requests we get for membership is also testament to that.

We are fully supporting the Drop In The Ocean project to enable the purchase of the lake into a Trust to preserve it for the future generations – by which is meant humans, birds, plants and planet. The plans intend to manage the balance the lake currently brings to all these things as well as expand the access for other bird species and humans who are not anglers or water babies.

As we watch the global climate disasters, devastation of war, the increase in mental health challenges amongst our teenagers and societal challenges of knife crime and social media, the importance of the words our members have provided emphasise the essential part resources like the Ocean Lake play in good health and navigating modern day life.

There is a lot that is out of my – and indeed our - immediate control. What is within my grasp is my time and ability to help influence the future of this marvellous place.

My takeaway from the lake

Regardless of what may be going on in the world beyond my paddleboard once I’ve settled into the rhythm of the water and my ego is safely away I'm able to tune in to the environment and notice the ecosytem so silently functioning around me.

The white egrets all perched in the bushes at the North Easterly end where the lake and the river feed back and forth, the 16 swans and one late cygnet that float effortlessly along on the water and the Egyptian Geese that protest on the shore line that we have encroached on their space. There’s a flash of blue as the kingfisher shoots past and the plop and ripple of the fish as they surface briefly playing roulette with the fishing lines.

For a moment my human life seems very simple as I become just another being inhabiting the surface of Ocean Lake.