Hannah Moore: I started paddling when I was 11 years old and have never looked back since! I would love to help more young people, girls and women get involved and inspired by kayaking, as it has made a massive difference to my life. I enjoy sea and whitewater paddling and I love hearing about other people's kayaking adventures across Scotland and beyond.
Young Person Equality Group
Check out our #IBelongOnTheWater Campaign
Paddle Scotland is keen to help remove inequalities and increase diversity and inclusion within paddlesport in Scotland. As part of this we are keen to increase the opportunities for young people to take up paddlesport and enjoy the long term benefits of taking part. The aim is to help young people progress within the sport to whatever level they desire and with the aim of them remaining in paddlesport for the long term.
To do this Paddle Scotland is looking for individuals who are passionate about increasing the opportunities for youngsters to take up and progress in paddlesport to form the new Young Person Equality Group. This Group will work alongside the main Equality Group and other equality groups to help make paddlesport available for all.
If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference please get in touch: equality@canoescotland.org
Who's on the committee?
Ava Barton: I'm a sea kayaker who started paddling at 8 and loves exploring the sea. Recently, I became a certified paddle sport instructor and am working towards getting my core coach award at 16. As a young ambassador, I gained confidence and met new people. I'm passionate about promoting equality and respect for young paddlers and hope to inspire others to explore the sport.
Andrew Bunting: I was introduced to paddling by my older brother who is autistic, seeing him come back talking so enthusiastically and passionately after a couple of sessions made me want to try it…
This sport has taken me to some amazing places, with crossings to Ailsa Craig, a circumnavigation of Bute, Raasay and Rona, Canna and Rhum as well as a camp on Eilean Mòr of the MacCormaig Isles.
This sport supplied an escape for me as a way of dealing with my dad’s passing. I am hoping to develop my passion for kayaking and the outdoors into a career; after getting my paddlesport leader and instructor certificates, I was able to get sessional work with local businesses and I coach for my club. After all this I feel incredibly grateful and want to give back to the sport that gave me so much by getting more young people involved and making it more accessible.
Rhodri Herapath: I was introduced to the Paddle Scotland Young Person's Equality Group through the Young Ambassadors scheme, and being one of the older Young Ambassadors, thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to continue to help get young people into paddlesports. I think in Scotland we are very lucky to have the opportunity to provide any discipline to a strong degree whether it be (among others) surf, whitewater, sea kayaking/ocean racing, touring, slalom or polo. It is important to get more young people hooked so they can be the best they can be as they progress!
Rab Wallace:
I started my paddling in the early 90s with the military. I experienced some amazing canoe and kayak expeditions in Canada, Germany and Austria. I transitioned to Paddleboarding in 2010. Being a parent of an autistic and disabled child led me down the path of supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Adaptive Paddling. I am really keen to extend these areas of interest through my membership of the SCA Equality Groups.
