“Although I was loved/liked by family, friends and clients there was something missing which I have now found in my new sport.”

My name is Rick Foster and I am 53 years old and thankfully in perfect health.

This wasn’t the case just a few short years ago when I suffered with major depression and anxiety. This debilitating illness came out of nowhere and although now I can see the warning signs in hindsight, I certainly didn’t see them at the time.

I had enjoyed great business success and had all the things that come with it and yet that wasn’t enough. The continual drive to be better because I never felt good enough was very tiring and ended in depression. Although I was loved/liked by family, friends and clients there was something missing which I have now found in my new sport.

About a year ago I started going out fishing on a kayak that I bought and loved being on the water. I started to enjoy the paddling as much as the fishing.

Earlier this year I joined the local Kayak club and have become happily obsessed with the sport. I now own 4 kayaks to my wife’s dismay.

I never thought I would willingly and happily go on the water in 4 degree mornings in winter time, but I do. On the mornings I meet at the club, I am excited and have a great sense of purpose to get out of bed early.

The best part is that I have joined a special part of the club called the “fun and fitness” group. Most of the members are a bit older than me and we are simply there for the friendship, common interest and to get fit while enjoying ourselves. Going to the gym has always kept my body in shape but kayaking is the best thing I have ever done for the well-being of my mental health.

My next goal is to become accredited as a coach so I can introduce and help other people find a new passion in their life.