Meet Alex Linksted, one of our Equality Group Members. She is a member of the Female Equality Group

Tell us a bit about how you got into paddling?

I got into paddling thanks to my dad, he took my brother and me to try kayaking on a summer holiday in 2009 and we enjoyed it so much that we haven’t stopped since. I got involved with canoe slalom and whitewater kayaking and after joining our local club I found I also loved open canoeing and went on to join the canoe club at Dundee University and coach paddlesports at Port Edgar Watersports, introducing people to the sport that I love and hoping to share that enthusiasm.

What do you love about paddling?

For me, paddling is my safe place, my happy place and my free place. It helps me unwind when life gets too busy and has been massively beneficial to my mental health, as well as being lots of fun and a really good way to meet people and make new friends.

What do you think needs to be done to genuinely make "paddlesport for all"? 

I think that paddlesports is reasonably accessible at a beginner level but it can be harder the more you progress so not only do we need to reach out to people and be inviting to people looking to start but to also educate and help to make progress through the sport more accessible and inclusive.

Why are you passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

I love paddling and I would love as many people as possible to get the chance to try our sport. Paddling has been so good for me and allowing others that opportunity is so important. Everyone can belong on the water and it is our responsibility to break down as many barriers for others as we can.