In 2022/2023 we ran a successful Women's Coach/Leader Development programme and are delighted to be in a position to repeat it next year. We are looking for female paddlers who are thinking about getting qualified as a coach or leader, either as a first step or to advance existing qualifications.

We have a real shortage of female coaches and leaders in Paddlesport. Approximately 33% of our members and 40% of club associates are female; yet the balance of female coaches and leaders is significantly less. We want more! We want more in all disciplines and at all levels. Diversity makes for a better environment for everyone!

We know that many women hold back from taking the step into a qualification or from progressing to the next level. Often not feeling inspired by their perceptions of what is required, not feeling that they are good enough, or feeling too daunted by the prospects. 

If this sounds like you - or like someone you know - we want to hear from you! 

We lose many ‘would be’ excellent coaches/leaders, other women lose out due to a lack of others around as role models, and participants lose out as there is less diversity in the coaching/leading workforce.

What is the Women's Coach Development Programme?

We are looking for a group of up to 30 female paddlers with aspirations to qualify. The programme will be centred around a supportive, inclusive, non-judgemental environment, with:

• small teams/groups of paddlers working together, supporting each other on their journey;
• three (or more), separate days of practical on the water support for each team, where they will be working with an experienced female coach on whatever they all need; 
• regular online mentoring sessions to help people keep progressing on their journey. 

Who is it for? 

The programme is open to anyone

• who identifies as a woman or as a marginalised gender and is comfortable in a space that centres around the experience of women; 
• who lives in Scotland; 
• aged 14+ 20+ 30+ 40+ 50+ 60+ 70++++++
• who has aspirations to get qualified as an Instructor, Coach or Leader; E.g. Sheltered to Advanced Leadership Qualification; Instructor or Sheltered to Advanced Coaching Qualifications 

This could be their/your first qualification - or their/your 10th….

Enhance your Wellbeing through the Programme

Taking part in this programme is more than just advancing your paddlesport skills—it's an opportunity to boost your mental wellbeing.

• Connect with Like-Minded Women: Build a supportive network of peers who share your passion, creating lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
• Gain Confidence: Achieve personal milestones, tackle new challenges, and grow as a leader or coach.
• Find Balance: Time on the water and in nature promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances your overall mood.
• Feel Empowered: Contributing to your own development and supporting others fosters a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

This programme isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about supporting your whole self on a rewarding journey.

Are you interested? 

If this sounds like the kind of support that would help you progress, would give you the confidence to work towards a qualification, or lights a spark to get you moving on something you’ve been quietly pondering, but never really getting around to - then we’d love you to hear from you. Simply fill in this short form or contact lara.cooper@paddlescotland.org.uk 

P.S. - If you think “This isn’t for me” it probably is! 

The closing date for applications is 0900 10 February 2024.

Nominate someone 

Do you know someone who might benefit from this programme? Can you think about female paddlers who are passionate about being on the water and have the potential to become a great coach or leader… but something has been holding them back? Or can you think of people who are ready to progress to the next level qualification, but they haven't got going yet, or need some final support to help them prepare for assessment? Your nomination might be the one thing they need to encourage them to take the step forwards. 

We want your nominations! 

How to nominate someone: Simply email lara.cooper@paddlescotland.org tell us who you’d like to nominate and a sentence or two about why you’re putting them forward. If they are not yet a member we might also need you to help us with a contact for them so we can get in touch. 

What Next?

Applications are now open. We will be recruiting through until mid-February. By spring we hope we’ll be able to have the team ready to get going.

Please contact lara.cooper@paddlescotland.org.uk if you are interested, or know someone who you think would benefit. 

Here’s what some of the participants said who took part in the programme through 2022- 2023:

"It made an amazing difference to my own paddling"

"Helped me feel confident in my decision making skills and safety assessments"

“Having such exceptional mentors give off their extensive experience and share their advice in such a generous way was great!” 

"It really, really gave me the time and space to focus on exactly what I needed to develop"

"The program allowed me to grow in confidence leading and paddling and show me that I CAN do it"

"The online mentoring sessions have increased my knowledge, for example re navigation and leadership, and the practical sessions helped by putting these and other things into practice"                                 

"The programme gave me confidence in my paddling and branching out with new people and rivers and helping me think about what to do next after getting my leader qualification"

"Made new paddling pals who I have met up with outwith of the programme.”

The majority of participants said they felt the programme helped them feel more confident, more prepared, more supported  when thinking about moving forward to an assessment.