As a newly qualified Blue Health Coach, I’ve been fortunate to embark on a transformative journey that blends my love for the ocean with coaching skills, allowing me to guide others toward peace and wellbeing through blue spaces. The Going Coastal Blue Health Coaching course, created by Lizzi Larbalestier, is a masterful blend of coaching expertise, oceanic wisdom, and deep personal insight. Drawing on years of experience working with water as a partner for wellbeing, Lizzi has crafted a course that is both insightful and solutions-focused, offering a unique approach to self-resolution, resilience, and connection to blue space.
My favourite memories of the course take me back to the beautiful and rugged shores of Mawgan Porth. This picturesque beach, with its wild yet calming waves, served as the perfect backdrop to connect deeper with the power of blue space. The ocean’s rhythm and the tides’ ebb and flow mirrored the powerful impact of nature on our minds and bodies, a core element of Blue Health Coaching theory.
Dipping at Lizzi’s favourite local spot was another highlight. The refreshing water felt like a reset button for the soul. As I submerged myself into the waves, the world melted away, leaving only the present moment. The cold water brought a sense of clarity and calmness that I’m excited to share with others in my work. It’s a perfect example of how blue space can clear our minds, helping us wash away stress and embrace a sense of renewal. I will treasure those moments and be forever grateful to Lizzi for sharing her ‘heart’.
What stood out most during the course, however, was meeting some incredible women who shared similar passions for the water. Each of us brought our unique perspectives, but we were all drawn to the healing power of blue spaces. There was an unspoken bond that developed as we shared stories and experiences, and I learned so much from the wisdom each of them offered.
One of the most powerful lessons I took away from the course was learning how to link watery words and metaphors that facilitate self-resolution and healing. Just like the ocean, we all have moments where we ebb and flow, where we retreat into ourselves or surge forward with new energy. By co-creating these metaphors, I’ve learned how to help others reflect on their own cycles, finding clarity and purpose. Whether it’s a turbulent storm in their life or a quiet calm, nature offers the perfect imagery for self-reflection and growth.
Alongside these metaphors, I developed new coaching skills that will allow me to guide others through these transformative experiences. Learning to integrate mindful techniques with the calming influence of water has reshaped how I approach coaching. Whether it’s through rockpooling sessions, blue ecotherapy, or a simple waterside wellbeing walk, I have discovered new ways to foster deeper connections and help others navigate their emotional and mental landscapes.
One of the most memorable aspects of the course was visiting a Nordic spa, where the soothing contrast of hot and cold water, coupled with the peaceful, meditative environment, underscored the healing power of water. This experience brought the theories of Blue Mind to life. I felt grounded, centred, and at peace, and I knew this was something I wanted to bring to my work in Plymouth Sound. Water has an incredible ability to restore and replenish, whether it’s through a relaxing stroll by the shore or an invigorating swim in the ocean.
I am really excited as I start to integrate my learning into activity design and delivery within our Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. The landscapes I work in are rich with opportunities to embrace water as a partner for wellbeing. Whether it’s through guided walks along the coast, mindful swimming sessions, or helping others connect with the ocean through beach cleans and Blue ecotherapy, I’m thrilled to bring these experiences to life.
The programs and activities I will now offer will be inspired by the natural flow of the tides, the peaceful hum of the waves, and the deep healing properties of blue space. From a mindful swim at Tinside Lido to an eco-art sculpture made of beach debris, each activity will encourage people to connect with nature, quiet their minds, find inner peace and of course in turn be encouraged to protect these beautiful blue spaces.
As a Blue Health Coach, I’m dedicated to helping people discover the transformative power of blue space, learning from the natural rhythms of water to promote emotional wellbeing. The sea has always been a source of healing for me, and I’m beyond excited to share that healing with others in the stunning blue spaces of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.