About The Watery
The Watery is a discovery platform for blue wellbeing experiences across the UK.
The Watery is a growing guide to blue wellbeing experiences across the UK.
We explore and share sea swims, paddleboarding, saunas, coastal walks, retreats and water-based experiences that support physical and mental wellbeing.
Our starting point is the South West, but the vision is national.
What is Blue Wellbeing?
Growing research shows that spending time near water can support mental wellbeing, reduce stress and encourage physical activity. Coastlines, rivers and lakes offer powerful spaces for restoration, connection and perspective.
Yet discovering these experiences can still feel fragmented. Many businesses are small, independent and difficult to find beyond social media or word of mouth.
The Watery exists to help people discover and connect with this growing world of blue wellbeing.
What We Do
- Share blue wellbeing experiences and businesses
- Help people discover activities by location and interest
- Encourage safe, confident exploration of blue spaces
- Support visibility and connection across the sector
Blue wellbeing is more than a trend. It reflects a growing desire to reconnect with nature, movement, community and ourselves.
If you run a watery business and would like to be included, we’d love to hear from you.
Who is Behind The Watery?
The Watery was founded by Karen Marshall (Canny Marshall), a marketing strategist specialising in place, wellbeing and sector development.
Alongside her marketing work, Karen is also a qualified open water swim coach – Outdoor Swim Coach – based in Teignmouth, with first-hand experience of the positive impact blue spaces can have on confidence, wellbeing and connection.
The Watery was created to support greater visibility, connection and sustainable growth across the UK’s emerging blue wellbeing sector.
Supporting Water-Based Businesses
Many watery businesses begin with passion — a love of the water and the experiences they create for others.
But running a small business also means finding time for marketing, visibility and growth, which can be difficult alongside delivering experiences day to day.
Alongside the directory, The Watery aims to support businesses through:
- visibility and promotion
- marketing support and strategy
- website and social media guidance
- community connection and collaboration
- future sector support, skills and opportunities
By bringing businesses together, The Watery hopes to help build a stronger, more connected blue wellbeing community.
