The Scottish Women's Paddle Symposium (SWPS) is a weekend designed for women paddlers to get together, improve their skills and have fun! The first SWPS event ran in 2009 run by a passionate group of volunteers. An event run BY women, FOR women. Roll the clock forwards to 2025 and this mission and purpose remain the same.

The aim of the weekend is to provide coaching, mentoring and inspiration to women who want to progress - whether that's to improve skills, gain a new qualification or purely for enjoyment - all in a social and supportive environment.

We are passionate about making the Symposium available to as wide a range of women as possible and are offering a number of subsidised tickets that people on low incomes and/or from under-represented groups can apply for. Initially there will be a light-touch short-listing process and then selection via a ballot (if oversubscribed).

Apply now for a £95 discount on the regular ticket price (this is 50% of the non-residential ticket price). 

The Scottish Women’s Paddle Symposium is an inclusive event open to everyone who identifies as a woman. Our equality and inclusion lead is lara.cooper@paddlescotland.org.uk, please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Can I apply? 

Yes, if you are a Paddle Scotland Full, Recreational or Club Associate Member.

If you aren’t yet a member - JOIN (From £22.50 for juniors and £31 for adults; 10% off for automatic renewal, plus discounts for family memberships) orjoin a local club. 

Applications will be reviewed on 30 October and then as and when received. There are 20 subsidised tickets available - once they are gone, they are gone.

APPLY HERE

What’s on at the Symposium? 

There are a range of evening sessions on Friday (16 May), with practical sessions on Saturday and Sunday. There is a social meal on the Saturday night, camping or B&B options at Glenmore Lodge. 

The practical sessions include options for all abilities (Intro to Advanced), for example: 

• All abilities accessible sessions
• Sea kayaking 
• Paddleboarding 
• White Water Kayaking 
• Canoe 
• Rafting/Inflatables
• Sea and river trips 

What will it cost me? 

If successful, you will be able to purchase the following: 

• £95 Weekend ticket (non-residential)
• £105 Weekend ticket + Camp/Van Pitch (Fri & Sat evening)
• £155 Weekend ticket + Camp/Van Pitch and Full Board
• £235 Weekend ticket + B&B (twin room) & Full Board

Note that there is an additional £20 fee for those who are not Paddle Scotland Full or Recreational members. This is applicable to Paddle Scotland Club Associate members. 

All tickets include Friday evening workshops, Saturday & Sunday practical sessions (delivered by our inspiring team of experienced and skilled women coaches!), refreshments at Glenmore Lodge, and use of equipment for those on Intro sessions. Plus a range of exciting extras at the event base over the weekend. 

Full Board = Breakfast and packed lunch (Sat & Sun) + Saturday Evening Meal.

The subsidised price gives £95 off each ticket (accommodation and food are not discounted).

If you book before the end of January there is a ‘pay in instalments’ option. 

Cancellations: We appreciate that circumstances change, here is a summary of our cancellations policy:

• Full refund (minus a £10 admin fee) if you cancel more than 8-weeks before
• 80% refund (minus a £10 admin fee) if you cancel more than 4-weeks before
• No refund if you cancel less in the final 4-weeks

Tickets are not transferable.