Everyone loves a film night. Especially if there's a good story on offer. And Vitamin Sea is just that.

A record breaking stand up paddle board expedition. A moving tribute to a friend who lost her life to mental illness. A mirror on plastic pollution and a reminder of how important nature is to our mental health. 

Vitamin Sea documents Cal Major’s journey by stand up paddle board from Lands End to John O Groats. That’s almost 1000 miles!!  As she travels the length of the UK on oceans, canals and rivers, the film follows Cal’s challenges, highs and lows, the people and communities she meets and the beautiful variety of British landscapes.

For some years now, Cal has passionately highlighted the problem of plastic pollution and its damage to ecosystems, wildlife and our ability to enjoy natural spaces. Vitamin Sea spotlights how community groups are working together to re-connect people with local waterways and find solutions to the plastic problem. She discovers that with connection to nature comes care. And with care comes a desire to protect. 

We have are so many good reasons to care. Near the top of that list are the calming and relaxing effects of being in nature and on the water. In caring for ocean health we’re also protecting our mental wellbeing through time outside. 

Watch out for charity screenings of Vitamin Sea in and around Auckland during Mental Health Awareness Week, 23-29 September. Funds from the screenings are benefiting Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Trust and the Mental Health Foundation.

Follow Starboard SUPSNZ and SUPWell on Facebook for details of the events.