Tell us a bit about how you got into paddling?

I got into paddling over lockdown as I realised it was the perfect socially distanced activity. I'm a naturally active individual always seeking the next adventure and like many others I struggled mentally with the isolation and the restrictions imposed throughout the pandemic. When restrictions eased, paddleboarding gave me the escape into the outdoors I had been craving for months. This also coincided with the opening of our family's' outdoor pursuit business and that brought with it the opportunity for me to develop my own paddling skills and also gain qualifications so I could introduce others, to the sport which brought me back from a pretty bleak space and share my love of it in a safe way!

What do you love about paddling?

Where to start! The thing I love most about paddling is sharing the experience with others and seeing people fall in love with it as I did. I have always found the paddling world to be very accessible, inclusive and supportive and these are values at the centre of my own engagement with the sport. For me it's always been about education, safety and having fun which I consider to be crucial principles. 

From a personal development perspective, I'm the type of person who loves a challenge therefore paddle-boarding for me is ideal as it offers experiences at a beginner level up to more experienced level. It is constantly developing and changing with new ways of doing things being discovered all the time. I love the adaptive and versatile nature of it.

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

More education, awareness of and engagement with equality groups. Join a paddling group!

Why are you passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

I strongly believe in the principle of paddlesports for all and I'm passionate about breaking down any barriers, preconceptions and stereotypes in order to enable anyone to get into the sport. For me, the sport and the people within it have had nothing but a positive impact on my life and I want to share this as wide as possible.