Emy Mcleod
Based in Aviemore , Emy is an accomplished paddler , coach and runs her own successful paddle boarding club and business , Strathspey SUP . We chat about why she feels it is so important for children to be able to experience the outdoors , what continues to excite her about coaching and her plans to complete some incredible endurance paddling trips . Pics : Neil Wilson
Tell me about the start of your paddling journey ?
I still remember my primary and secondary school camps - we would go on little residentials where we would be away for a couple of nights and take part in a whole host of activities , including canoeing . It was your basic ‘ get in a canoe ’, play some games , fall out and swim . It was great ! I did a little bit of club paddling while at university , and this was then followed by a business career ( in the music industry ), but it wasn ’ t my passion - I felt something was missing .
What led you to change from working in the music industry to becoming an outdoor instructor ?
Before and for the first couple of years at university , I spent my summers volunteering for the Rotary Clubs . They ran a programme to promote leadership called the Rotary Youth Leadership Award on Loch Tay with the Abernethy Trust . I worked as a camp leader and mentor . I would watch their outdoor instructors , and I was like , this is what I want to do - I belong outside ! So , I did an intensive six-month outdoor instructor training in the Highlands just near Aviemore . The course covered paddle sports , summer Mountain Leader , skiing , climbing , biking and rafting . It was awesome - I wouldn ’ t be where I am today without going through that training . I now have my own paddleboard business , Strathspey SUP , I work as a freelance coach , and I am excited to be currently going down the British Canoeing Provider route .
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