Simply put, they provide female paddlers with the opportunity to connect with each other, something that they may otherwise have limited opportunity to do and something that female paddlers have asked for. Many women enjoy connecting with other women who have shared interests, and given that this community is relatively small, these groups provide an important opportunity to facilitate this. 

The content of the majority of posts are not really gender specific, but it is the style/tone of the conversations that are slightly different. Women, in women to women conversations are typically more open and happy to expose vulnerabilities, less concerned that this will negatively impact on their credibility – and less distracted by thoughts of ‘what others might think of them’ than they are when in mixed gender groups.



“It’s nice to feel confident that you can ask any question without feeling silly. The group is so positive and helpful and people are so willing to share their knowledge and experience. It’s just wimmin bein’ braw lassies”.

Here are some of the recent threads as an example of some of the topics:

• I’m looking to buy my first kayak, I’m new to this, any advice or suggestions please; 
• Just had a great week coaching some inspiring female paddlers…..
• Q - How much do you embrace ownership of decision making when on the water….
• Looking for the best solution for getting my boat on the car roof by myself
• Can anyone recommend a decent towel poncho for getting changed in;
• Does anyone else name their kayak, or is this naff? 
• Anyone fancy a paddle next weds evening…. 
• Have you seen this challenge; it's not so much about the fastest time but having a go and logging a time……
• I’m looking for a bra that doesn’t cause chaffing, any suggestions? 
• I’m doing a Podcast and could do with some help….
• Any suggestions for a nice easy paddle around Fort William….
• This is a video of an SUP solo overnight trip I did last weekend from …..
• Check this book out… I found it a great read 
• I’ve just moved to Scotland, looking for any groups or clubs who can help me get back into paddling after some time off…..

Sometimes the threads are gender specific though! Here’s what one member said about that:

“I can't think of any other type of Facebook group where people feel free to ask questions about moon cups, period pants, menopause, uncomfortable bras, dropseat drysuits and kit to fit women, confident that they will get constructive suggestions and advice. Nothing is off limits….”.



Being part of an under-represented group, and taking part in activities that challenge many gender norms can make it difficult to connect to the ‘sport’, to the ‘role’ you are in, or to the ‘people you encounter’ as the image or values can feel significantly different to your own personal image/values. Feeling part of a community of females can help reinforce the message to women that they do fit in… can belong to the wider community of paddlers, and can thrive in our sport.

As a female paddler myself, a coach, tutor, and assessor I spend most of my personal paddling time and professional life in a predominantly male environment. Inevitably, the ‘tone’ of these spaces is naturally either gender neutral/balanced or more masculine orientated… I would rarely describe my experiences as having a ‘feminine tone’ to them, mainly because of the nature of our sport and the balance of genders within them. This is in no way a criticism, just the nature of reality given the stats… Our participation figures typically sit at 30% females at best, and when we look at positions of influence (e.g. coaches, leaders, committee roles, management roles, event organisers etc.) the percentage drops significantly the higher along the pathway you get.



“Female only groups open up the opportunity to find like minded people to paddle with. It's not about excluding the guys, it's about broadening my options.”

As women we generally enjoy being part of the vibrant adventure sports communities and seek out like-minded people as our friends and partners; people who we can trust and who treat us with respect for who we are. The role that other women play within this network varies between individuals; but for some, there are just not enough. For some short connections with female specific communities help them settle in the everyday mixed gender paddlesport setting that is their norm. For some, seeing other women in the sport can be all they need to motivate and inspire them to enjoy their own participation more – if she can do it, so can I…. OR help them realise that they do fit in and are welcome.

I would like to thank everyone who has read to the end of this article! Because in order to support female paddlers thrive in our community we need to support small interventions, like this, that provide an additional adjunct, alongside all of the other not gendered positive opportunities available to everyone. We simply ask that you support these Facebook groups by promoting them and speaking positively about them within your communities to ensure that female paddlers are aware of them, and can join them if they wish.