In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast we delve into the vibrant world of paddlesport, exploring club cultures and the inspiring individuals behind North East Sea Kayakers (NESKy).By scottishcanoeassociation

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast we speak to Julie & Nicky, paddlers active in the LGBTQ+ community and founders of Cairngorms Pride Paddlers. After being inspired by the SCA's annual Paddling with Pride event, they started the monthly Cairngorms Pride Paddlers group, giving opportunities to members of the LGBTQ+ community to try out padd…

In this episode, we meet young paddlers Ava and Kamron who talk about starting their journeys into paddling and being young people in the sport.By scottishcanoeassociation

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Roger and Lara speak to two professional paddlesport coaches: Emy McLeod and Janni Williams. Janni runs South Skye Sea Kayak, and Emy runs Strathspey SUP and freelances with various other outdoor centres. They share with us their passion for paddling, for working in the industry, along with the ups …

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Roger and Lara speak to Alastair Garrow, retired crisis negotiator in the police force. He has developed the Paddlewell Initiative, a groundbreaking wellbeing programme for Scottish police officers coping with poor mental health. The paddling programme gives police officers mental health support out…

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Lara and Roger chat to Jenny who started stand up paddle boarding later in life. Listen now to hear about Jenny's story and the challenges she faced, what motivated her and the fun time she now spends with her grandkids on the water.By scottishcanoeassociation

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, Hosts Andy and Saira chat to Callum, Lara and Roger about all things safety. This episode is especially aimed at those new to paddlesport - Listen now for an engaging conversation that runs you through what to expect when paddling!By scottishcanoeassociation

In this episode, we meet young Paddler Ailsa who describes her journey to becoming a Coach at just 16 years old. She talks of her journey, the support she received, the challenges she overcame and the gratification of the entire experience alongside her coach and mentor, Poppy.By scottishcanoeassociation

Steve Beevers has been a sports enthusiast all his life. Since being diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease - a genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss - he has had to adapt the sports he does. He has not let this stop him though, and has recently taken to sea kayaking. Join us in this episode to hear about Steve's varied life, and his…

In this episode we welcome none other than canoe coach legend, Tom Sibbald. Tom takes us through how having dyslexia has affected his life and his coaching, and how he has adapted to doing things differently - and that having dyslexia is not always a negative thing. Tom talks about a book called The Dyslexic Advantage - which is available here both…

In this episode we welcome SCA Coach of the Year 2019 Fraser Porter, who was very suddenly diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure that same year. Fraser talks us through his paddling journey, the events that took place leading to a kidney transplant, and how he's working to get back on the water.By scottishcanoeassociation

Shetland paddler, Alain Cook shares an open and honest account of his personal experience of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. From his (long) journey to diagnosis, to learning to live with this condition and realising that canoeing is his 'medicine for life'; it's an inspiring listen and there is so much that everyone learn from him. Released for Internat…

Jonathan Riddell, a keen White Water kayaker shares his journey of recovery from a serious head injury. He explains the long-term, but hidden, physical challenges that this has left him with. His drive and motivation to continue his paddling shine through and what he has since achieved is quite remarkable.…

This week, members of the SCA Female Equality Group share their insight into how role models and supportive networks have a positive impact in recruiting and retaining female paddlers. They share their approach to promoting female equality in paddlesports and offer some great advice for those looking to get into paddling.…

After some time off, the Scottish Paddlecast is back! We catch up with Gill Berrow who is paddler, coach, leader, course provider & mentor. Gill takes us on her whirlwind paddling & coaching journey, and explains how she has built her mentoring philosophy through years of paddlesport delivery.By scottishcanoeassociation

In a thought-provoking conversation, Forth Canoe Club's Robert Ailey shares his story how the mindfulness aspect of paddling has helped him with his mental health. Rob also talks about inclusive paddling and how to get involved with the Wheels to Water events, and shares advice clubs can utilise to make paddling a sport for everyone.…

This week, we speak to North Berwick Kayak Club coach, Leslie Aitkenhead who enthusiastically coaches young paddlers. Originally picking up paddling later in life, Leslie shares her journey as an older paddler to becoming a club coach out of necessity. Leslie shares how her approach to coaching includes the use of children’s imagination during sess…

In episode 1 of our new season, we speak to Moray SUP Club Members Tom Wakeford (Chair), Jim Gibson (Head Coach) and Joyce Johnston (Safeguarding Officer). We find out how a local community established the SCA's first ever affiliated SUP club. They share their approach to member recruitment and offer some great advice for aspiring paddlers to start…

In this final episode of our first series of Coaching Conversations, we are joined by British Paracanoe Head Coach, Scott Simon. Scott shares his exciting journey learning to paddle in Wales, through his time in the Royal Air Force and most recently heading up British Canoeing's Paracanoe Programme. Scott has sage advice for us all and in particula…

In a thought-provoking conversation, Swedish Federation’s Performance Kayaking Coach, Evelina Menning, shares her unique & ground-breaking approach to coaching the 200m K1 event & working with paddlers from grassroots right the way up to elite performers medalling at World Championships and competing at Olympic games. She also shares her reflection…

In this special episode, Doug MacDonald, catches up with Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot Matt as they reflect on his journey from his early days learning to fly through the relentless pressures of training and how he adapted to cope. Matt shares his thoughts on areas where the world of sport can learn from aviation training whether as recreational p…

In this episode we catch up with SCA Performance Slalom Coach, Stuart Gerrie. In a thought-provoking conversation, Stuart reflects on his early days learning to paddle in Aberdeen and the power of a 'skate park' style approach to canoe slalom. He also shares his reflections on developing adaptable paddlers and how coaches can develop this with thei…

In this episode we catch up with SCA Performance Sprint coach and Forth Canoe Club Sprint coach, Tomas Duarte. In an entertaining conversation with Doug MacDonald, Tomas shares his coaching journey from Portugal to Scotland and in particular how he has grown as a coach from working with young paddlers taking their first strokes to now regularly coa…

Doug MacDonald speaks to British Canoeing Podium Potential Sprint coach, Kristina Medovcikova who leads the women's kayak programme. Originally hailing from Slovakia, Kristina shares her journey as a sprint paddler and coach from setting out on her journey to coaching European and World Junior Champions. Kristina shares how her coaching approach ha…

Doug MacDonald catches up with Lara Cooper. Lara started her lifelong involvement in Paddlesport first as Slalom racer, into WW kayaking (and coach), to recreational sea kayaker mostly now. Her professional career has always revolved around paddling, coaching, and supporting the development of the sport. She is an experienced coach/leader tutor and…

In our FIRST EVER EPISODE, Doug MacDonald talks to Sam Miles. Sam is a performance Slalom Coach and is deployed jointly between Breadalbane Canoe Club and the SCA. Today we find out how he uses his simple coaching methods to bring out the best in his athletes. As the saying goes - "Simplicity is Key"!…