Welcome to SeaStrength

Where sea kayaking, hiking, and outdoor exercise help you recharge your body and mind.

The Power of Nature

Paddling for health with Sea Strength Health

Connect with nature as a form of self care

Staying healthy can be hard, and prioritizing your well-being often feels like just another chore. SeaStrength Health taps into the healing power of nature year-round, offering enticing ways to boost your health, whether you’re paddling on our beautiful ocean or

playing outside like a kid for a day.

SeaStrength Health is a unique health service that combines professional sea kayak instruction and personal training with the expertise of a nurse.

A retiree and a working professional take a minful moment overlooking the sea with their registered nurse

Paddling for Health

1- or 2-day sea kayak courses including certification in Paddle Canada's Basic or Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills. Stay fit in body & mind with paddling!

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Private Kayak Coaching

Private and semi-private sea kayaking sessions. Perfect for skill development and supported regular paddling as part of your self-care routine. Sea kayak rolling instruction is also available.

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Personal Training + Health

Designed for busy professionals - not for pro athletes - these sessions will help you get back to your younger, fitter, less-stressed self.

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Group Paddling

Love kayaking but need partners, motivation or access to gear? Keep your stress at bay year-round with weekly, short daytime or evening group paddles.

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Group Fitness Classes

Focused on light exercise and holistic wellness, these group classes offer the benefits of being connected with nature & others on the same journey.

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Custom Park Programs

Playful group workshops designed to increase your connection to nature & focus on your mental and physical health. Why not be a kid for a day!?

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Step Away From Burnout

At Sea Strength Health, I'm all about helping you connect with nature to boost your physical and mental well-being. Picture yourself sea kayaking, hiking, or getting a fun workout in the great outdoors. We'll keep the stress about skills certification low, while setting you up for lasting success with easy, practical ideas for health, stress reduction, and self-care.

SeaStrength Health has a variety of programs that are all about you. Whether you’re an individual looking for a fun way to get moving, or an employer searching for a unique staff wellness program, SeaStrength Health has got you covered.

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Meet Joani

I’m Joani Litchfield – a dedicated nurse, paddler and educator. With over 20 years in the field of nursing, I’ve specialized in emergency and intensive care nursing. I always find myself teaching others whatever it is that I love - so it fits that I’m now teaching sea kayaking and sharing the mental health benefits of paddling (#BlueMind) with others. Helping people get or stay healthy while having a great time on or beside the ocean is why I’m building SeaStrength Health.

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A Paddle Canada Certified Sea Kayak Skills and Sea Kayak Rolling instructor paddles in Nanaimo, BC

A group of adults focus on maintaining their mental health with outdoor exercise and mindfulness beside the ocean

Vision & Mission

A community where everyone can access the ocean, lakes and forests

to improve their physical and mental health.

Removing barriers that prevent people from accessing nature, SeaStrength Health offers nature-based health promotion services that

empower clients to reach their physical and mental health goals using

kayak therapy & outdoor exercise coupled with health education.