Adventure Psychology
Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.~ Mark Twain

As an Adventure Psychologist with Shadow Wind, I aim to bring insights from scientific research into how the brain and mind perform at their best, in order to help people realise their potential, and strengthen resilience to lifes' challenges!
Also in order to promote these benefits I explore how we can use novel approaches to engage individuals, groups, young people to educate and inform as to the unique environment of the ocean. This includes how skills and confidence will inevitably develop by being exposed to the basics of seamanship and being on and around boats generally...

Here are some of the research initiatives that we aim to progress through
Shadow Wind, and in collaboration with our charity and academic partners,
so that we can provide the most stimulating and rewarding experiences that
transform lives.
There are two primary themes to explore:
Measurable Psychological benefits of Adventure experiences -
how sailing and practical skills development contribute to enhanced mental wellbeing, renewed purpose setting life goals |
How best to inspire and educate about the maritime environment,
promoting activities and experiences, including using multimedia and Virtual Reality (immersive technologies) in support of this. |
Our approach will be a combination of practical experiences working with our charity partners, including feedback on the benefits to individuals who come along and work with us, and collaborating with organisations to develop novel ways to engage with maritime adventure contexts.
INSIGHT
Did you know that sailing can significantly improve lasting quality of life in individuals suffering from mental health disorders? By immersing in this novel context (even just coming down the Marina for a day), the brain is stimulated enough to become more focused, productive and motivated.
Did you know that sailing can significantly improve lasting quality of life in individuals suffering from mental health disorders? By immersing in this novel context (even just coming down the Marina for a day), the brain is stimulated enough to become more focused, productive and motivated.

Carta, et al. (2014). Sailing can improve quality of life of people with severe mental disorders: results of a cross over randomized controlled trial. Clinical practice and epidemiology in mental health : CP & EMH, 10, 80–86. https://doi.org/10.2174/1745017901410010080
PSYCHOLOGICAL BAROMETER

What is your internal 'weather' like at the moment?
Shadow Wind aims to help people transform their lives, to inspire and support individuals in turning themselves round, prepared and able to haul 'close to the wind'. What this means is through experiencing the benefits of working together in a seafaring context (whether that is out on the ocean on an adventure trip, taking one of our Sail Theory courses, or simply coming along to the marina for a chat, and to immerse yourself in the stimulating atmosphere onboard) you can feel positive changes occur. The cameraderie, sense of purpose, drive to engage in productive jobs will all serve to boost morale, instil new goals into life.
The following 'barometer' is useful to gain an appreciation of how you might feel currently, and how the 'weather' can change for the better. Based on Shadow Wind's deep understanding of how the brain 'works' and the mind 'operates', this tool can help monitor the impetus for change.
The questions look at different emotional and psychological elements that all contribute to a sense of self worth, goals and aspirations and general wellbeing.
After you have provided responses we can calculate how your 'weather' has changed as a result of being involved with Shadow Wind, emotional and psychological benefits and where you are set on course for a more purposeful life!
THANKS FOR BEING PART OF THE JOURNEY!
CLICK HERE to take part in the 'weather survey'
Shadow Wind aims to help people transform their lives, to inspire and support individuals in turning themselves round, prepared and able to haul 'close to the wind'. What this means is through experiencing the benefits of working together in a seafaring context (whether that is out on the ocean on an adventure trip, taking one of our Sail Theory courses, or simply coming along to the marina for a chat, and to immerse yourself in the stimulating atmosphere onboard) you can feel positive changes occur. The cameraderie, sense of purpose, drive to engage in productive jobs will all serve to boost morale, instil new goals into life.
The following 'barometer' is useful to gain an appreciation of how you might feel currently, and how the 'weather' can change for the better. Based on Shadow Wind's deep understanding of how the brain 'works' and the mind 'operates', this tool can help monitor the impetus for change.
The questions look at different emotional and psychological elements that all contribute to a sense of self worth, goals and aspirations and general wellbeing.
After you have provided responses we can calculate how your 'weather' has changed as a result of being involved with Shadow Wind, emotional and psychological benefits and where you are set on course for a more purposeful life!
THANKS FOR BEING PART OF THE JOURNEY!
CLICK HERE to take part in the 'weather survey'
QUESTIONS [link to this]
We'd like you to think about how Shadow Wind has had an impact on your life, firstly by answering some questions about how you felt BEFORE you were involved with Shadow Wind, and then about how you feel AFTER you had the experience:
Please provide some details about yourself:
Gender - Male Female
Age - ??
Involvement - Private Charity
BEFORE you became involved with Shadow Wind
What is your general level of motivation in life?
Not at all motivated 0----------------------10 Highly motivated [* line scales clickable with a draggable cursor dragged and data recorded (0-100?]
Do you have a sense of clear goals to aim for?
No sense of goals 0----------------------10 Clear sense of goals
What is your general positive attitude day to day?
Not at all positive 0----------------------10 Very positive
How much of a negative attitude / thinking do you experience day to day?
Not generally negative 0----------------------10 Generally very negative
What are your typical energy levels day to day?
No energy at all 0----------------------10 Very high levels of energy
How much of a sense of control do you have in your life?
No sense of control 0----------------------10 Very high sense of control
Ability to concentrate on daily activities?
No capacity to concentrate 0----------------------10 Very high capacity to concentrate
Ability to manage distractions that disrupt focus on the things you need to do?
No ability to manage distractions 0----------------------10 Very high ability to manage distractions
General confidence in yourself?
No confidence at all 0----------------------10 Very high confidence
AFTER you had experience with Shadow Wind
What is your general level of motivation in life?
Not at all motivated 0----------------------10 Highly motivated
Do you have a sense of clear goals to aim for?
No sense of goals 0----------------------10 Clear sense of goals
What is your general positive attitude day to day?
Not at all positive 0----------------------10 Very positive
How much of a negative attitude / thinking do you experience day to day?
Not generally negative 0----------------------10 Generally very negative
What are your typical energy levels day to day?
No energy at all 0----------------------10 Very high levels of energy
How much of a sense of control do you have in your life?
No sense of control 0----------------------10 Very high sense of control
Ability to concentrate on daily activities?
No capacity to concentrate 0----------------------10 Very high capacity to concentrate
Ability to manage distractions that disrupt focus on the things you need to do?
No ability to manage distractions 0----------------------10 Very high ability to manage distractions
General confidence in yourself?
No confidence at all 0----------------------10 Very high confidence
We'd like you to think about how Shadow Wind has had an impact on your life, firstly by answering some questions about how you felt BEFORE you were involved with Shadow Wind, and then about how you feel AFTER you had the experience:
Please provide some details about yourself:
Gender - Male Female
Age - ??
Involvement - Private Charity
BEFORE you became involved with Shadow Wind
What is your general level of motivation in life?
Not at all motivated 0----------------------10 Highly motivated [* line scales clickable with a draggable cursor dragged and data recorded (0-100?]
Do you have a sense of clear goals to aim for?
No sense of goals 0----------------------10 Clear sense of goals
What is your general positive attitude day to day?
Not at all positive 0----------------------10 Very positive
How much of a negative attitude / thinking do you experience day to day?
Not generally negative 0----------------------10 Generally very negative
What are your typical energy levels day to day?
No energy at all 0----------------------10 Very high levels of energy
How much of a sense of control do you have in your life?
No sense of control 0----------------------10 Very high sense of control
Ability to concentrate on daily activities?
No capacity to concentrate 0----------------------10 Very high capacity to concentrate
Ability to manage distractions that disrupt focus on the things you need to do?
No ability to manage distractions 0----------------------10 Very high ability to manage distractions
General confidence in yourself?
No confidence at all 0----------------------10 Very high confidence
AFTER you had experience with Shadow Wind
What is your general level of motivation in life?
Not at all motivated 0----------------------10 Highly motivated
Do you have a sense of clear goals to aim for?
No sense of goals 0----------------------10 Clear sense of goals
What is your general positive attitude day to day?
Not at all positive 0----------------------10 Very positive
How much of a negative attitude / thinking do you experience day to day?
Not generally negative 0----------------------10 Generally very negative
What are your typical energy levels day to day?
No energy at all 0----------------------10 Very high levels of energy
How much of a sense of control do you have in your life?
No sense of control 0----------------------10 Very high sense of control
Ability to concentrate on daily activities?
No capacity to concentrate 0----------------------10 Very high capacity to concentrate
Ability to manage distractions that disrupt focus on the things you need to do?
No ability to manage distractions 0----------------------10 Very high ability to manage distractions
General confidence in yourself?
No confidence at all 0----------------------10 Very high confidence