A TEAM of kayakers took to the water for a charity event for an exercise promoting mental and physical health, team work and new friendships last Thursday.

The event was run by the Change Foundation, a charity that uses sport and mentoring to change the lives of marginalised young people.

The seven kayaks set off in between the Palace and West piers for a 45 minute kayak session.

The event was part of charity’s London Futures programme, which is aimed at young people with learning disabilities who face social isolation and loneliness and aims to reduce anxiety, stress and develop life skills through sport.

Ryan Jones, disability programme manager at the Change Foundation said it was a great day of conquering challenges.

He said: “This was a celebration which got our young people together after months of isolation.

“It was about giving them something to look forward to, building up their travel confidence and conquering new challenges.’’

“As well as being fun, they then had the new experience of being on the water – especially as a couple admitted they are not able to swim but they all rose to the occasion and found they had mastered a new skill.”

The Argus: Pictures by Joe WischhusenPictures by Joe Wischhusen

James Wischhusen, disability inclusion manager for the charity said the experience was invaluable in terms of life skills.

He said: “Kayaking, like any physical activity which brings people out of their comfort zones, provides life skills.

“If you are successful at something you are not used to, that really helps you in so many other ways.”

Joe Williams, chief instructor at Brighton Watersports, said they had lots of fun on the water.

He added: “The group had a great time and paddled hard against an offshore breeze which took them out to the horizon.

“Kayaking offers the benefits of physical activity, together with the intuitive awareness of the boat and your surroundings, as well as the calming nature of being on the water.”

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