Some time ago, NOMB Changes received the request to accompany a surf event in a public outdoor pool with families and children, in cooperation with a Swiss church community. How could we say no to that?

Now the time has come, and on August 9th, NOMB Changes will visit people in their everyday life, at the outdoor pool in the Bern region, Switzerland. On this afternoon, the local children and young people will have the opportunity to get in touch with the sport of surfing in “landlocked Switzerland” and to get to know the surfboard and surfing in general.

Surf event outside the ocean

Children and young people have the opportunity to try out paddling on the surfboard, or to practice and perfect the pop-up on the surfboard. There is also a balance board area and information about the projects of NOMB Changes, as well as some cool goodies to take away!

Creating awareness

In order to draw attention to the problem of polluted beaches, we are also planning a Fötzeli campaign (garbage collection campaign) at the pool area. Not because the outdoor pool is dirty, but because it’s amazing how much rubbish can still be found in this place. Through to this surf event, NOMB Changes would like to sensitize families with children and young people to women’s empowerment, inclusion and environmental protection.

A surfing pastor with heart

NOMB Changes founding member Chicken was asked three questions by the Reformed Church in Switzerland:

Why are you involved with NOMB Changes?

As a Reformed pastor, the preservation of creation is close to my heart. Our habitat, the ocean, covers most of our planet and is unfortunately affected by immense pollution. With NOMB Changes and our educational standards, I can counteract the problem with small steps.

A second reason is the fact that the line up in the water is relatively male dominated. Unfortunately, equality is not an issue on many levels in the water. As a pastor, I would like to do this in the water as well.

What do expect from the surf event in the Badi Köniz?

First and foremost, I hope that thanks to our campaign, young girls will also be able to get excited about surfing and confidently find their place in the line ups of the oceans and the world and feel good about it.

May we call you surf pastor? Or to put it another way, what is the connection between surfing and working as a pastor for you?

Of course – such a designation honors me, although I’m not a surfing pro myself. ? As mentioned above, equality and the preservation of creation is my top priority as a pastor. I am committed to this in my church work, and this should also be reflected again and again in my personal life. Jesus walks on water and I stand with both feet on the waves of life.

Looking forward to a great surf day

We are really looking forward to this surf event in Bern. We will report about this unique experience on our social media channels. In another blog post after the event you can find out what happened and be inspired by a few photos.

If you would like to support us for more important events like this (and many more at the sea) in the future, we would be honored to welcome you to our tribe of NOMB Changers.

Surfing is not only a thrilling water sport but also a source of inspiration for techniques that can benefit us in various aspects of life. In a recent workshop held by us at Luise von Marillac Clinic in Bad Überkingen, Germany, 15 women undergoing rehabilitation for breast cancer had the opportunity to explore breathing techniques derived from the world of surfing. The workshop, facilitated by Angie and Annette, two of the founders of NOMB Changes, aimed to empower these women in their recovery journey by teaching them adaptable breathing techniques that can be applied not only in challenging breast cancer treatments but also in everyday life situations.

Beyond the Waves

Annette personally experienced the benefits of these breathing techniques during her breast cancer treatment. As Angie planned to visit her during her rehabilitation stay at Luise von Marillac Clinic Annette encouraged her Angie to apply her knowledge beyond the realm of surfing. Angie, being passionate about empowering others, gladly agreed to pass on her proficiency. Together, they tailored the techniques to suit the needs of the breast cancer rehab participants, ensuring their applicability in everyday life situations.

A Surfer’s Breath

Angie, a professional surf coach, shared her knowledge and expertise with the participants, highlighting the importance of breathing in surfing and how it can be applied outside the ocean. The workshop focused on four different types of breathing techniques:

• preparation,
• performance,
• recovery,
• and an emergency breath.

These techniques were designed to enhance overall performance, well-being and resilience, not only in surfing but also in the face of life’s challenges.

The Basics of Breathing

Before diving into the specific breathing techniques, the workshop covered the fundamentals of breathing. The participants learned about the concept of a full breath, which involves utilizing the diaphragm to inhale deeply, filling the lungs to their maximum capacity, and exhaling fully to release any tension or stress. Emphasizing the significance of deep, diaphragmatic breathing for relaxation, stress reduction, and improved mental clarity, the participants learned to understand their ´oxygen tank`. This fundamental technique formed the foundation upon which the other breathing techniques were built.

Interactive Neuro-Centered Brain Activations

Recognizing that the brain sometimes needs a little coaxing to cooperate, the workshop also incorporated fun and interactive neuro-centered brain activations.

These exercises were designed to help participants stimulate their brains and enhance focus, especially during times when the brain may feel uncooperative, especially due to the effects of treatment or recovery.

The women enthusiastically participated in these activities, discovering newfound levels of concentration and mental clarity and the potential to improve their overall cognitive function and mental well-being.

The room was filled with laughter, a bonus of these easy to remember activations.

Taking it to the Streets

The true test of the workshop’s effectiveness came the following day when the women took their newfound knowledge to the beautiful Nordic walking trails surrounding the clinic. Equipped with their breathing techniques, they embarked on their routine, expecting nothing more than a pleasant workout. What they experienced, however, was nothing short of astonishing. The participants reported increased focus, reduced fatigue, and all of them kept within the optimal range of heartrate. The women highlighted the performance breath, which enabled them to tap into a newfound reserve of energy, powering through their workout with ease. The recovery breath brought a sense of tranquillity, as they released any physical and emotional tension after the workout.

Beautiful experience with an impact

The workshop on breathing techniques derived from the world of surfing was a great experience for the 15 women. Under the guidance of our founders Angie and Annette, they discovered the power of the breath as a tool for empowerment and resilience.
These techniques, originally designed for surfing, proved to be adaptable in everyday life situations and also during challenging breast cancer treatments. By incorporating these breathing techniques, the participants unlocked a new tool to stimulate their mental and physical well-being, reinforcing their strength and determination. These techniques, along with the interactive brain activations, empowered the participants to embrace their challenges head-on and discover new strengths within themselves.

To the 15 remarkable women who placed their trust in Angie & Annette, and the power of breath, you are true inspirations. The workshop was a testament to your strength and resilience, hopefully reminding you that you really rock your journey of recovery and beyond.