The Vitamin Sea Collective is a new community united by the positive benefits of the ocean. Started up by the same team behind SurfGirl, we decided to learn more about the work these women are doing and what inspired them to launch last October.

Words by Louise Searle. Photos by Evie Johnstone.

We realised during lockdown how important the sea is to us. It’s not that we took it for granted before, it’s just that as our liberties have been restricted going for a walk on the beach or getting in the sea feels so amazing, more so than before.

It’s no secret that the ocean has many healing properties. Whether you’re in it, looking at it or can simply smell the salty air, the sea can have a positive impact on our lives in so many ways. Surfers, sailors, seaside dwellers, divers and explorers have long been drawn to the ocean and are a testament to the overwhelming power of the ocean. In recent years science has proved that the ocean has physical, emotional and mental healing properties. It can improve our health and lighten our mood.

Whether you’re in the ocean or near the sea, we all feel calmer. Scientists have discovered that humans have something they call a ‘blue mind’ – proving that our brains are programmed to react positively to water. This means that watching the ocean, listening to the sea and being in the sea gives the brain a rest from overstimulation. As our minds relax a little, it allows the release of happiness chemicals dopamine and serotonin to be released, leaving you feeling more chilled out and much calmer. Studies continue to show that spending time in or close to water can significantly improve health and happiness and blue environments may help to tackle major public health challenges.

As surfers and ocean lovers we love the positive vibes the ocean brings us. We’re humbled by the ocean and never take it for granted. Surfing teaches us to adapt, to be resilient and to learn to fear and deal with it and push beyond our comfort zone. Surfing is a challenging sport, it takes a lot of patience to learn but most of all it reminds us to have fun. So we decided to share our vibe and knowledge with other salty souls and launch the Vitamin Sea Collective feeling that the lessons we learnt during our time in the ocean could translate to our everyday lives.

Launched in October the Vitamin Sea Collective is a community of the surfing sisterhood and ocean lovers. From the all-female team behind SurfGirl Magazine, our membership platform provides surfing, health, nutrition and fitness advice, it’s an empowering space for all women, whatever age or ability, to come together. The aim of the Vitamin Sea Collective is to help nourish mind, body and soul and promote positivity at a time where mental health disorders affect one in four people.

Vitamin Sea Collective is proud to promoting female empowerment and a positive outdoors lifestyle. So whether you’re a surfer, wild swimmer, paddle boarder or just love being at the beach, getting a dose of vitamin sea is good for you.

Membership to the Vitamin Sea Collective costs £6.99 a month for full access to all content, videos, workshops and newsletters plus exclusive discounts on ocean inspired items. For a free 7- day trial go to www.vitaminseacollective.com.

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