Peace on the Water healing groups start June 20

Local watersport company Delmarva Board Sport Adventures has announced a new program called Peace on the Water for local support groups focused on grief and emotional trauma healing.

Small-group floating sessions will be offered on select Mondays at 6:30 p.m. starting June 20. Fellow healing humans trained in support groups from HealTree of Lewes will facilitate. Sessions will take place at the Delmarva Board Sports watersports concession at 136 Dagsworthy Ave., Dewey Beach.

Sessions will consist of a grief-focused sharing circle, allowing time for meditation and resource sharing. Sessions are 90 minutes, weather permitting.

Participants may choose a kayak or paddleboard and attend one or multiple sessions on a donation basis. Scholarships are available for anyone struggling with grief or emotional trauma who cannot afford to make a donation.

Floating clinical sessions will also be available this summer for a very affordable fee with Catrina Stiller, licensed professional counselor of mental health, also with HealTree.

Delmarva Board Sports co-owner Janis Markopoulos said, “Many who have experienced grief and/or trauma have found spending quiet time on the water to be peaceful and healing. The feel of the breeze on your skin, the sounds of birds above and the gentle sway of the water are soothing to the soul. We’ve also experienced customers who recently lost a loved one purchase water sports equipment to rediscover themselves after the loss of someone close. Additional organized, small groups from hospice and Grief Share have already scheduled Peace on the Water sessions, and we are honored to help these local support groups experience a unique support and healing opportunity.”

Even though floating group sessions are in a shallow area of the Rehoboth Bay, waist- to chest-level deep, all participants should know how to swim, tread water or doggy paddle. Participants will anchor themselves so as to not float away from the group. All must wear provided safety equipment and sign a liability waiver.

To learn more or register, visit DelmarvaBoardSports.com.

Space is limited to 12 per week, so early registration is encouraged.