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Words : Nicola Forsyth Pics : Jake Webb @ jakeyjakejacobs Plas y Brenin , in partnership with Canoe Wales , hosted their first # ShePaddles Cymru event together from the Sport England owned National Outdoor Centre in Snowdonia .
Over the 7-8th May , the two-day event brought together 75 women to celebrate and encourage more women and girls to get into paddlesports . The event featured 16 workshops covering various paddlesports and levels – from beginners and enthusiasts to inspiring instructors and coaches .
Split across the two days ; the weekend has something for everyone , from skills development workshops to masterclasses with the professionals and entertainment on Saturday evening .
As an increasingly popular paddlesport , Emily Evans and Olivia Hollins Roberts coached several dedicated SUP coaching and leadership workshops , and Leanne Bird hosted a SUP yoga session . Other workshops included kayaking , canoeing , safety and rescue , navigation , planning and kit preparation and kayak rolling .
Coaches included Lowri Davies , Eila Wilkinson , Emily Evans , Laura Wynne , Sarah Keight , Matt Giblin , Jon Green , Claire Pursey , Chris Evans and Dave Janes .
The event was supported by partners including Get on the Water , Peak PS , O ’ Shea , Pyranha Kayaks , P & H and Aber Falls Whisky Distillery .
Emily Evans , SUP coach , commented , “ This was my first time attending a # ShePaddles weekend , and I had the most wonderful time ; it was a privilege to be part of it . I met the most amazing women over the weekend , and it was a pleasure to listen to their stories and coach them through some new SUP techniques .
“ I also saw a lot of bravery over the weekend , people going outside their comfort zone to try new things , which was a testament to the friendly , supportive and encouraging atmosphere created by all staff and volunteers from the # ShePaddles team . I can probably speak for many when I say that it was a laugh a minute , and fun was had all round ; thank you very much Plas y Brenin and the # ShePaddles team .” s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k 8