Tell us a bit about how you got into paddling?

Always had a liking for the great outdoors but only ever done any paddling through school and youth club activities until I participated in completing star awards with East Lothian Council Outdoor Learning Services which lead me on to gaining Paddlesport Instructor and Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor awards.



I have recently gained Powerboat Operator level 2 award.

What do you love about paddling?

I love the different disciplines involved in paddling activities and the many differing environments and conditions you can paddle. I love the feeling of being on (and occasionally in) the water.

My passion for SUP dominates my paddling these days but I am still involved in Kayaking and Canoeing as often as I can.

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

Clubs , Associations and Governing Bodies need to encourage and promote paddling with differing abilities/ Additional Support Needs on the same level as anyone else. Inclusion should be as standard not as an afterthought or as something that has/must be addressed because of directives or political policies.

I am really pleased and encouraged by all the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Groups within the SCA and that I am involved in the Accessibility and the Mental Health and Well Being groups.

●Why are you passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion?

My passion stems from working within the field of disability and mental health services for over 30 years and still am.

Being able to participate in paddling and outdoor activities has never been an issue for me, however when it came to the majority of people I worked with it was an intirely different matter. This drove me to start up the charity Beyond Boundaries East Lothian (BBEL) which provides Adventurous Outdoor Activities predominately for Adults with Disabilities and Mental Health issues. BBEL has been running now for 13 years and amongst other activities delivers SUP, Kayaking and Canoeing at a foundation level and encourages and supports members who wish to progress with paddling to join a local club.