This first weekend of paddling marked the start of an exciting collaboration between the SCA and Backbone’s Leaders For Change Training Academy, which aims to inspire and develop Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic role models and leaders in communities across Scotland. 

Founder & Operations Director of Backbone Pammy Johal says:

“We are asking environmental organisations to critically review and change their approach to engaging with ethnically diverse members. Our partnership with the Scottish Canoe Association showcases the Academy's ethos based on Backbone’s core values of Genuine Intention, Trust & Integrity, For the Direct Benefit of all Communities as together we nurture future role models in the industry.”

Saturday saw us launch on the picturesque setting of Loch Faskally and the team enjoyed a relaxed paddle led by Performance Coach Beth Wallis and Delivery Partner Allan Dunlop. The team enjoyed lunch at the mouth of the River Tummel and some went for a swim too.

On Sunday we took to the River Tay and paddled in glorious sunshine from Aberfeldy to the SCA access point at Edradynate. After numerous runs of fisherman’s rapid, with a few swims, the team headed to SCA headquarters at Grandtully Campsite for a shower and a cup of tea. 

After this initial weekend, there is a plan to run a BCAB Paddlesport Safety and Rescue course, which will further develop the participants’ skills and knowledge. The final instalment of the year will see the SCA, with help from Allan, Lara and Beth, organise a descent of a section of the River Spey on an overnight expedition. This marks the start of an exciting journey for some of the participants who will work towards qualification in Paddlesport Leadership and Instruction, which can then be used in communities across the country. 

The SCA is actively looking for club members to reach out and invite participants along to club nights, to offer opportunities and to share the passion for paddlesport which so many of us enjoy. Please contact Calum McNicol for more details.

People of Colour Paddle

After the success of the event in 2022, the weekend of 29th & 30th April saw a series of half day sessions run between the SCA and People of Colour Paddle in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Edinburgh session took place at Bridge 8 Hub on Union Canal and in Glasgow at Pinkston. The early morning Glasgow session was attended by over twenty participants, all people of colour and all new to paddlesport. Participants enjoyed an Introduction to Paddlesport in Canoes and SUPs.

Similar to other sporting organisations in Scotland, the SCA’s demographics for participants, leaders and coaches do not reflect those of the country overall and we feel as an organisation we have a responsibility to address this. We are actively engaged in organising activity which attempts to resolve this imbalance. If any club or organisation would like to get involved, then please get in touch.