She SUPs COVID19 Update
Tuesday 24th March
Dear wonderful She SUPs Community,
Today, I have made the decision to pause all She SUPs group paddling activity for the next few weeks in order to protect our paddlers and our wider community from the risk of COVID19.
Ever since COVID19 arrived on the shores of Australia there has been so much uncertainty around what to do and how to respond, which has created panic, fear and conflicting approaches to the situation.
Therefore I wanted to be clear, specific and concrete with the She SUPs approach moving forward. Certainty and clarity provide us with confidence. We can then move forward knowing what action to take and we can focus our energy on things that are within our control, rather than outside of our control, which is ultimately vital for our mental health.
I have made the decision that I will not wait to be told to close She SUPs, but instead, I will take the lead, trust my gut, trust all the research I have read and hopefully inspire others that staying home is the only way we can ‘flatten the curve’ and avoid the spread of COVID19.
I have listened to other governments around the world that are being more specific about their advice (such as the UK and NZ), and here is what I have learnt that has influenced my decision;
Only socialise within your household (this could be your partner, flatmates, family, or cat)
Keep going outside to exercise and get fresh air daily, but only do so with your household.
Where possible, stay home and only go out for essential trips such as going to the supermarket, pharmacy, doctors, daily exercise or helping the elderly and vulnerable
I encourage everyone to also do their own research and focus on reliable sources. Some links below:
NZ Government: https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/
UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others
AUS Government (not as clear as others but may be updated in coming days): https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19#protect-yourself-and-others
I know you guys will completely understand and back my decision, so I thank you so so much for your ongoing love and support for She SUPs, it means the world to me!!
Booked in for this weekend’s paddle? We will reschedule.
If you’re booked into our 5km Paddle this weekend we will reschedule. Everyone will receive a credit for the session and it will be the first session to be booked in on our return. If you would prefer a full refund, this is possible, please email me: vikki@shesup.com.au however, if you can afford to have a She SUPs credit, I would really appreciate it!
Can I still paddle by myself?
If you own your own board and you live close to a waterway, you should still be able to paddle as your ‘daily outdoor activity’ until the government say otherwise but please understand the risks to yourself and those around you, and please don’t encourage others (unless they live in your household) to join you. If you don’t feel comfortable paddling alone, find another activity and don’t worry, we will definitely make up for lost paddling time when we return!
What’s going to happen to She SUPs? The community continues!!
Just because we won’t be paddling together, doesn’t mean She SUPs stops completely! A huge part of She SUPs is our online Facebook and Instagram community so this will be the focus for the next few weeks. I have SO many ideas in the pipeline which I simply haven’t had the time to execute - but now I do! Here’s some of the things you can still expect from She SUPs over the coming weeks…
Daily inspirational content on Instagram (@shesups_) - make sure you’re following!
SUP tips and advice
I will FINALLY be editing all of my She SUPs Sydney Expedition footage and making a short-film about my experience
Hints and sneak peeks about She SUPs trips and camps in the pipeline
SUP chat - let’s keep chatting about SUP! Share your photos, videos and more of places you have paddled and places you dream of paddling. If you’re ever feeling isolated or alone, just post a hello into the community and we will be there to support you!
And some more surprises that I’m not going to reveal yet ;)
Wow, if you’ve reached the bottom of this essay, thanks for staying with me ;)
If you need anything, please reach out. You can always email me directly vikki@shesups.com.au
Stay safe. Stay home. Hug your loved ones (even if it’s a virtual hug!) Be kind to yourself. Stay calm. We will get through this and come out stronger on the other side.
Vikki x