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Pause for Life, developed by Paddle WA and first supported through the WA Government’s Industry Investment Program, is giving women practical tools and connection through the activity of paddling. 

The program offers a range of lifestyle and menopause education workshops focused on reducing stigma, managing symptoms, and promoting healthy lifestyle and fitness choices. 

Designed to empower all women, it places a particular focus on supporting women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Photo:  J Sisson

Leanne Hampson from Paddle WA said the program incorporates strength exercises, mental wellbeing activities and education. 

‘We want to align paddling with the mental and physical health benefits that it brings,’ Ms Hampson said. 

‘Paddling is a sport that blends well with the benefits to menopause… and to women of this age. 

‘We’ve also included strength training, exercises they can do at home, and some mental health and wellness activities.’ 

More than 79 per cent of participants indicated they will include paddling as part of their lifestyle. 

Participant satisfaction is high, with 68 per cent rating the program as excellent . 

To date, 11 participants, who started the program with a fear of water, are now paddling confidently, and between 8 and 10 participants have expressed interest in starting a paddling group through their local club.  

The program incorporates technology that’s helping participants monitor sleep, movement, hydration and daily habits through a partnership with the BetterMe Wellness App. 

‘We’ve seen some participants notice major shifts, with improvements from disrupted sleep to now getting a full 8 hours a night,’ Ms Hampson said. 

‘We hope the 6‑week program will affect life changes and ongoing habit forming.’ 

Ms Hampson said the program could not have launched without support from the WA Government’s Industry Investment Program. 

‘It was the foundation… that allowed us to conceptualise the program and then apply for funding to develop it further and execute it,’ she said.