STAND-UP paddleboarding is returning to Lake Wendouree to help Ballarat women and girls coast into Christmas.
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Surfing Victoria has a particular focus on expanding its Coasting for Teens program across the state in a bid to introduce and keep young women active at an age with higher rates for dropping out of sport.
WATCH: Coasting for Teens below | Video: Surfing Victoria
The program in Ballarat has proven particularly popular in strong class numbers. Surfing Victoria chief Adam Robertson told The Courier last year Lake Wendouree was one of the best places to try SUP because it was safe and picturesque.
Coasting for Teens and sister program Coasting for Women will now run most Saturdays and mid-week until Christmas on the lake. Sessions are hosted by Surfing Victoria and Sports Central, which champions opportunities to get people moving across the Central Highlands.
Sports Central project coordinator Natalie Grero said this is a chance for women and girls to get a taste of a non-traditional sport.
"Once they do a session the aim is then to take more lessons or hire a board themselves...instructors offer support but also working with a group gives social connections and prevents fear of doing something by yourself," Ms Grero said.
"The aim is when on the water your body can de-stress and it's good for your mental health too. It's an activity that's easy to pick up wherever you can hire a board."
VicHealth data shows more than half of Victorian women were not sufficiently active and more than half worried about being judged when exercising.
Details: coastingsup.com.
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