Emily Hamilton-Peach: My paddling journey started splashing about with the Scouts at a young age, then as soon as I was old enough, I spent each summer coaching at local activity centres. Wizz forward a bit, and now, after the past few years running sea kayaking expeditions abroad, I've landed in Perth to work full-time with Willowgate Activity Centre. I'm excited to join the group to help women paddlers feel confident jumping out of their comfort zone to enjoy paddling the way I do; whether that's challenging environments or a day trip with a picnic. I'm excited to work together to get paddlesport as inclusive as possible!

Hannah Blair: I have been General Manager at Pinkston in Glasgow since 2017, but rather than from a paddling background I came from one of charity management, an academic career studying quality of life, alongside a passion for the impact that the outdoors can have.  I had taken up paddling about a year before as something to do with my children.  All this time later I still consider myself a nervous novice – especially when it comes to white-water, but there is something special about the good feeling that comes from spending time on the water.  I will keep trying to broaden my comfort zone!  Part of my current remit and one of the things that motivates me in my job is to increase opportunities for all.  Gender equality is only a small part of this, but I very much believe that any way that we can increase diversity in the sport will increase its accessibility more widely.

Jess Philip: Hi everyone, I have been a keen paddler for most of my life i really love the people I get to meet and the places paddling takes me. I first started as a white water kayaker and have now branched out into river and expedition SUP paddling..  The Highlands is my home currently as I work as an instructor at Loch Eil outward bound.  I am greatful to be part of the  British Canoeing #shepaddles ambasadors and the Female Equality group.  My main passion in this group is to connect and form a stronger female community within Scotland. Also I'd love to meet and get out paddling with some of you in the future.

Lara Cooper: I grew up paddling, started as a kid racing in Canoe Slalom, then got into White Water kayaking (paddling, exploring and coaching), and now love my Sea Kayaking. My professional career is also firmly set in paddlesport as Coach Educator, Qualification Developer and Trainer supporting the SCA. I am delighted to be part of the SCA Female Equality Group, I am particularly passionate about supporting female paddlers, coaches and providers to thrive in our sport, whilst also championing a 50:50 representation.

Liz Cain: I started paddling as a kid competing in canoe polo and K1 and quickly got into white water kayaking and canoeing.  Paddling has been a big part of my life professionally and personally. More recently I have been really enjoying going on solo canoe journeys and connecting with nature; it couldn't be more apparent how important this is for us all right now.  I love coaching anyone on any craft and getting more people out on the water helping them make their own decision making.  I thoroughly enjoy being on the SCA board and very inspired by the push for equality within the organisation especially the push for under represented groups.

Lizelle Kemp: I was only introduced to paddling in my mid 30’s and fell in love straight away.  It was a form of escapism from daily life and it soon progressed from Sit on Tops to Sea Kayaks and eventually Kayak Marathon & Surfski Racing.  My passion & stress relief is Open Ocean Surfski Racing, I'm the current Chair of the newly established SCA Ocean Racing Committee and I’ve been championing the growth of women taking up surfski paddling in Scotland.  It’s a privilege being part of the SCA Female Equality Group, I’m incredibly inspired being surrounded by women willing and able to share their experiences and help support and educate everyone involved in the sport to encourage inclusivity within paddling.