Frihed på vandet med SUP. 2½ års follow-up studie.

Blue space interventions evidently have positive impact on well-being and mental health, yet lon-gitudinal studies on lasting impact are scarce. In this qualitative follow-up study with semi-structured interviews, we explored the long-term experiences over 18-42 months among six out of initial eight women from the primary study, and with two instructors from the initial study. The participants, dealing with mental disorders, participated in the group-based intervention ‘Freedom on Water’ with stand-up paddling. Five main themes emerged from the empirical analysis: SUP as a catalyst for broadening horizons; Learning: stepping out of the comfort zone; A break from diagnosis and rumination; Connectedness to nature, particularly blue nature and to the group; A life changing journey and a shift in mindset. The study revealed a long-term life-changing impact on participants’ well-being and mental health. Nature and blue space activities had become a greater part of their lives improving their mental health with feelings of calmness, positivity, healing, and freedom. Stepping out of their comfort zone, facilitated experiences of success, and transformed their mindsets. Moreover, they experienced a break from rumination, and they became more outwardly focused with confidence in themselves and their abilities, making new friendships, engaging in new and different contexts.