Scott VerMerris and Ken Block of Park City Sailing are the only two certified adaptive sailing instructors in the state of Utah.
They have the certifications needed to reach people who might not otherwise consider sailing.
Research shows that the benefits and therapeutic aspects of sailing are a helpful complement to other ongoing treatment programs.
FULL INTERVIEW: Scott VerMerris and Ken Block of Park City Sailing
VerMerris said sailing is an outlet to cope with both mental and physical challenges.
“We’ve proven the effectiveness of mindfulness and sailing as a treatment for PTSD and substance abuse,” VerMerris said. “And sailing has many benefits. Mindfulness on the water and the ability to be present in what you’re doing is a big part of that therapy.”
Park City Sailing has been working with the Salt Lake Veterans Administration (VA) for several years and this has led to a partnership with the Warrior Sailing Program.
“In a few weeks we will have over 24 veterans in our classroom and on the water doing a three-day training camp, and we do that every year. So yes, the veteran aspect of our therapeutic sailing is a big part,” VerMerris said.
Both VerMerris and Block are excited about Park City Sailing’s expansion to be more inclusive, and Block said they have become global advocates for the therapeutic benefits of sailing.
“We’ve spoken at national conferences,” Block said. “We’ve been asked to coach at other programs; we’ve coached at the National Handicapped Sailing Championships. That’s really opened the door for us, and I think that’s maybe one of the more unique things about us, that it’s not just about Park City Sailing anymore. We’ve become ambassadors for this different style of sailing, and people reach out to us from as far away as Sydney, Australia.”
For more information about Park City Sailing’s commitment and adaptive sailing, click here.
