Mark Minter & Mersea Island Watersports - Why time spent on the water is good for everyone.

Mark Minter of Mersea Island Watersports (MIW) is one of the Island’s unsung and unassuming heros and we were pleased to host him talking about how time on the water can generate both mental and physical results for everyone – age and fitness no barrier! Mark puts the mental benefits down to the fact of being on tidal water requiring gentle focus — noticing wind, tide and balance — which creates a form of calm engagement that many people find deeply relaxing and restorative.

Mark also sees strong community effects, where one person’s experience encourages family and friends to try an activity too. Furthermore, when people engage with the harbour in a safe and respectful way, they tend to value and protect it more, which benefits both the community and the local environment.

Mark has been running MIW for 14 years now and what started off as a small operation, renting out just 6 paddle boards, has now turned into an operation that sees over a thousand school children come through the doors each year.  He sees the social and developmental impact that happens when young people achieve something they didn’t think was possible which in turn builds a confidence that carries well beyond the water.

In addition, there are regulars of 300+ army personnel, as well as stag dos, hen dos and corporate away days. Children can also benefit from summer holiday ‘kids clubs’ throughout the summer and many locals enjoy SUP Pilates and weekly social paddles.

Mark told us how he was particularly proud of getting one young lad, with high functioning autism and associated disabilities, out on the water.  His first session required him to be in a 2 man kayak to aid his stability, but he soon progressed to being an independent paddler; in addition, the benefits of being out on the water & in the fresh air had a knock on affect with reducing his reliance on medication for the following 72 hours.  An incredible change in one life from such a simple thing.

Mark has recently been involved with Paul Button’s Freedom Boat and will be working alongside Paul this summer, giving even more people access to the water, in particular those with mobility issues and children and OAP’s.

Mark’s latest role is as a member of the West Mersea Waterside Committee, which is chaired by Colchester City Council and manages the beach, hard, and waterfront areas. It brings together council representatives, the Essex Marine Unit, and local users to discuss safety and management of the Blackwater Estuary and River Colne.  He is definitely going to be busy this summer and we were grateful that he could spare the time to come in and talk to our members.