So how did it start and what’s it all about?
The “Scottish Women’s Paddling Community” Facebook group was created by the SCA Female Equality Group in September 2020. It was created as the group felt that female paddlers (and those who want to become paddlers) would appreciate a space where they can share ideas, make new friends, meet up, swap advice and stories and discuss paddling in general. A friendly community to support, encourage and celebrate.
How’s it getting on? What impact has it had?
Since its launch there has been a rapid growth in membership with the group holding around 950 members at the time this article was written. The SCA carried out a survey to gather feedback from members of the group to find out the impact this group has had on its members so far.
This survey found that approximately 50% of those who completed the survey were aged 46-65 and that the main environments in which members most frequently paddled were either “with friends and family” or “with a club”. Paddling experience within this community varies significantly with 36.7% saying they had been paddling for more than 11 years, as well as approximately 20% who said they have been involved with paddling for less than 2 years.
Reasons why women said they enjoyed this group:
When we asked members of this group the main reasons a women specific network appealed to them, these were the top 3 answers.
These findings back up the importance of and need for women-specific networks as a space where women can connect to enrich their participation in paddlesports.
Below are some of the testimonials left by members on how the “Scottish Women’s Paddling Community” Facebook group has been of value to them.
“It’s lovely to see women helping and supporting each other :)”
“It has provided a safe space to ask questions that I wouldn't feel happy asking in a more open environment and it has allowed a more personal interaction among female paddlers”
“Being part of the facebook group gave me the incentive to start a women’s paddling group”
We’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this article and thank the members of the Scottish Women’s Paddling Community Facebook Group who completed the survey and allowed us to share the progress the group has made so far.
To all women - if you are not already a member, please join these groups below and connect with other female paddlers.
To everyone -
please share these groups to female paddlers in your networks.
Scottish Women’s Paddling Community
A private Facebook group for female paddlers (and those who want to become paddlers) to share ideas, make new friends, meet up, swap advice and stories and discuss paddling in general. A supportive community to nurture, encourage and celebrate. 950+ members!
This group was created by British Canoeing in March 2018, now with 4400+ members. It serves the same purpose as the Scottish Women’s Paddling Community (but with a broader reach and wider geographical spread).
Women in Paddlesports Coaching, Guiding & Leading
A group for female Paddlesports coaches, guides and leaders to discuss, introduce, inspire, question, suggest…. 350+ members.
An unofficial social paddling community for women who paddle white water in Scotland, using kayak, canoe, OC1 or SUP. The group hold informal white water peer paddles semi-regularly in various locations across Scotland, aimed at all abilities of paddler from Grade 2 up. So, if you have your own kit and transport and are competent on grade 2, come join us.
Anyone who identifies as a woman or as a marginalised gender and is comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women is welcome in this group.
