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You do seem to have a connection with nature. What is it about being outside and on the water that makes you feel good? I am fascinated by how powerful the iPhone camera is and its editing capacity. I use it to capture the beauty of nature around me, be it a seed, a landscape, icicles or a tree on the horizon. Blue / green spaces are wonderful and give such amazing respite, both mentally and physically. I am constantly saddened that humanity still views these as commodities to be sold, built on or managed in such a way that it has a negative impact on nature and ultimately on our wellbeing.
What’ s the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife that you’ ve had whilst paddling? Seals! Beautiful, jaw-dropping, huge, impossible to photograph, playful and mesmerising.
Do you have an eco-message for fellow paddlers? As paddlers, we are experiencing climate change firsthand, and I believe we need to take responsibility for our impact on nature locally and further afield. This means making difficult choices, including changing our paddling habits. For example, is it OK to jump on a plane to travel halfway round the world, so that we can tick a river off our bucket list? Or complete a paddling challenge for social media recognition? What legacy does this leave future generations?
A big question – how does SUP keep progressing in your opinion? Safety! There are so many amazing, vibrant SUP communities around the UK, but when I look at social media or go out on the water, I am worried by seeing so many examples where there is a lack of basic safety knowledge. This is an area where we need to make progress.
What are you looking forward to in the next year or so? Embedding ecological dynamics theory within my practice would be an enormous achievement. Plus, specialising in supporting aspirant SUP instructors, leaders and coaches – that would be pretty awesome!
# SHEPADDLES WEEKEND
Who are your SUP buddies? I run a women’ s paddling community called Cake with WotBikini. We meet monthly, paddle our local waterways in the East Midlands and further afield. It is such a highlight to meet, catch up, paddle and of course eat cake!
OK – life isn’ t all about SUP – so what else interests you when you get the time? Come back and ask me in 12 months! I am now on that journey as life is changing again, with my son recently starting university. I have a sneaking suspicion it will be another board sport – would really love to nail snowboarding once and for all!
WATERWAYS WELLBEING ACTIVITIES SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE