WATSU® Basic with Gianni De Stefani For those who are drawn to water
For those who work with people
For those seeking a way of self healing through community, sharing and learning
31 October – 1 November 2026 | Iceland
Discover a different way of working with the body.
This autumn, international WATSU® teacher Gianni De Stefani joins us in Iceland to teach WATSU® Basic — a two-day introduction to the foundations of working with another person in warm water.
WATSU® combines touch, movement, stretching, rhythm and stillness with the unique qualities of water. Rather than working against gravity, we learn to use buoyancy and the movement of our own body to support and move another person.
For massage therapists, bodyworkers, physiotherapists, movement professionals and others working within health and wellbeing, WATSU® can offer an entirely different dimension to an existing practice.
It can also be a valuable way to explore bodywork that relies less on physical force and more on movement, positioning, presence and the support of the water.
You do not need to be an experienced aquatic practitioner to begin.
What will we explore?
Over two days, Gianni will introduce participants to the foundations of WATSU® through demonstration, practice, giving and receiving.
The course will explore supporting another person comfortably in water, fundamental positions and movements, transitions, gentle stretches, practitioner body mechanics, quality of touch and the importance of presence when working with another person.
You will experience WATSU® from both sides — learning to give while also experiencing what it feels like to receive.
WATSU Basic is an introduction and foundation. For those who wish to continue, it can also become the first step towards further WATSU education and professional training.
More than a two-day course
An opportunity for students to get a taste of the work before beginning the course. If you sign up for the WATSU Basic these days will be included in the price. Participation in these evenings is recommended but not compulsory.
We will have those curious about the water also join us.
28 October – Introduction to WATSU® - 18:00 - 19:30
An introductory evening to meet, enter the water and begin exploring some of the qualities of WATSU®.
Public price: 5,000 ISK
Included with WATSU Basic
29 October – WATSU Rounds - 18:00 - 20:00
A deeper two-hour experiential evening working in small groups and rotating between giving, receiving and witnessing.
Public price: 10,000 ISK
Included with WATSU Basic
About Gianni
Gianni De Stefani has worked in aquatic environments for several decades and has been teaching WATSU® since 1999.
His work has contributed to aquatic bodywork communities and training internationally, including in France, Italy and India. Alongside WATSU®, Gianni teaches WOGA, an approach he developed bringing yoga practice into water.
We are very happy to welcome him back to Iceland and create another opportunity for people here to learn directly from his experience.
Registration
If you are interested in joining WATSU Basic:
1. Complete the Google registration form.
Tell us a little about yourself and your interest in WATSU®.
https://forms.gle/hag2T9ZWa2rxRv5cA
2. We will contact you with the additional course information you need.
3. Complete the full course payment to confirm your place.
4. Join us in the water.
Course Fee: 55.000 ISK for the Basic WATSU® + 2 introductory evening included (Optional)
Venue: Water Therapy Iceland Institute - Hátún 12, Reykjavik
Timings - 9am start and 5pm finish
Taught in English
We will limit the number to 12 participants
Contact Steve for any questions. [email protected] +3547618244
Another amazing opportunity - To receive from professional practitioners.
30 October – Receive private WATSU® sessions 18:00 - 20:00
Before the formal training begins, there will also be an opportunity to experience an individual WATSU® session with a qualified practitioner.
For anyone considering learning WATSU®, receiving the work yourself can provide an important perspective on what it means to be supported and moved in water.
WATSU session: 18,500 ISK
WATSU session for students: 15,000 ISK
Spaces are limited and advance booking is required. Receiving a session is highly recommended, but it is optional and is not included in the WATSU® Basic course fee.
Event venue
Water Therapy Iceland. Hátún 12, Reykjavik, Hátún 12, 105 Reykjavíkurborg, Ísland, Reykjavík, Iceland
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.
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