Floating sound bath to benefit Maui Food Bank Sept. 18

Local paddleboard and kayaking outfitter Delmarva Board Sports has teamed up with Lauren Fonvielle, integrative energy practitioner and coach, to offer a floating sound bath on Rehoboth Bay.

Delmarva Board Sports owners George and Janis Markopoulos were married on Maui in 2006 and hold the island dear to their hearts. Janis said, “We are very saddened by the recent fires that have devastated areas of the island, and this event is a great way to support their recovery efforts.” They will be donating a portion of event proceeds to the Maui Food Bank. They encourage all participants to consider making a donation directly. 

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18, behind the Bay Resort Waterfront Hotel, 135 Dagsworthy Ave., Dewey Beach. Rain or wind dates will be Tuesday, Sept. 19 or Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Registrants will arrive at 5:15 p.m. for check-in and will have 30 minutes of solo paddling to prepare their minds, hearts and spirits for the floating sound bath.

Fonvielle is a certified and accredited EFT practitioner, yoga instructor and sound bowl practitioner. She describes a sound bath as a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to invite gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative processes to nurture the mind, body and spirit.

The experience begins with each person lying or sitting on a paddleboard or in a kayak that’s anchored to a line in the bay. After a few minutes of guided focus on breath, the remainder of the experience is filled with different sounds and frequencies being introduced in succession. The sounds are created by crystal singing bowls, chimes and a rain stick.

Listening to a sound bath allows the brain waves to slow, shifting from a more active state to a more relaxed state, or even a dreamlike state. The added sensations of floating on the water and feeling the calming breeze amplify the experience.

The cost is $72 per person and includes an 80-minute SUP board rental, 50-minute floating sound bath, anchor lines, safety equipment, assistance on and off the water, gratuities, a donation to the Maui Food Bank and photos.

Space is limited. For more information and to register, go to delmarvaboardsportadventures.com.