Words : Helen Trehoret Photos : SUP Inverness - Claire Scott , Barrachou Paddle , Leanne Bird & Emy Mcleod
September saw the first ever Women SUP Symposium organised in Scotland for women and led by women . The event was organised by myself , Helen Trehoret from Barrachou Paddle , Finistere , France .
Why did I organise this event ? This project was born out of an addiction to paddling in Scotland . A place that I have paddled in for the best part of ten years . After years of showing a good friend around Scotland , I decided it was time to encourage other women to explore the wilds . But why open this to women only ? I decided that a women-only event would provide a supportive community that would help challenge and develop the skills of the women paddlers . Also , in my experience , women are more likely to share their lack of confidence and fears in a supportive group , and more often , this is found amongst other women .
Thirdly seeing men often led ‘ wild ’ SUP holidays targeted at women groups , I felt that this was the opportunity to empower women to take on leadership roles when paddling in more ‘ wilder ’ locations .
Basing the even in Cannich offered paddlers conditions that were quintessential Scottish , but at the same time providing a sheltered location for the groups , which is why it was based out of Cannich , Scotland . A beautiful village at the start of the Glen Affric .
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