Amalavajra is a former triple Lightweight Boat Race Blue and international triathlete who gave up selling bonds to join a Buddhist Order. He has taught meditation around the world, but still loves to scull, which he does from Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.

He’s joining us in Bergerac for a week starting 20th August 2023, and aims to recruit a small group of fellow athletes who would like to learn more about what mindfulness can bring to the sport.

Here’s his description of how he envisages the week’s activities.

Mindful Sculling Retreat

Entering Flow

Sunday 20th  – Saturday 26 Aug 2023 (six nights)

Flow is the complete absorption of mind and body in the subtleties of efficient technique, the beauty of the river, the smooth run of the boat, free from thoughts of time and self. It supports a centered, harmonious life that extends your years of active good health.

It is the antidote to distracted, tense and wilful rowing that slows us down and leads to frustration and injury. 

On this retreat by the Dordogne you’ll learn how to reliably enter Flow in life as well as on the water through:

• Meditation to focus and calm the mind, led by Amalavajra, ordained Buddhist and Lightweight Boat Race Blue
• Bespoke sculling coaching from experienced coach and multiple British and World Masters Gold medalist Ali Boileau (maximum 5 students, video analysis)
• Yoga classes from international teacher Rita Laczko 

You’ll enjoy:

• A riverside house with specialised sports-training facilities
• Top specification singles and doubles (Nelo, Carl Douglas)
• Freshly prepared organic vegetarian food
• Free time to explore the charming town of Bergerac and its countryside by foot or bike

If you’re interested contact us now and we can fill in the details.