ThePADDLER 108
down yet ! With over 1000 members , the ever-growing # ShePaddlesCymru Facebook group is a vibrant and engaging community of epic women !
Emerging from lockdown , the story goes that I ’ d posted on our Facebook group that I fancied a paddle in New Quay , west Wales and that any company would be welcomed . Some ladies immediately jumped at the chance and said they ’ d be there – GREAT ! Gayle phoned and informed me that there were ladies who wanted to come , including her , but didn ’ t have any of their own equipment , and could I help out ?
EXCITED WAS AN UNDERSTATEMENT !
Fortunately , being a paddlesports instructor and having a supportive boss had its benefits . So , only a few days after my original post , I went with a van full of kayaks , paddleboards , wetsuits and buoyancy aids ! Excited was an understatement ! Most ladies were unknown to each other , but we interacted , talked and laughed like we had all known each other for years , and we hadn ’ t even hit the water yet !
The conditions couldn ’ t have been more perfect ; a beautifully sunny and warm evening and a wonderfully flat , calm bay . Such an amazing experience , not just because we were fresh from lockdown but because we were all ladies together with varying paddle experience , all confidence levels , all backgrounds , different values and beliefs , all shapes and sizes and all ages . But none of it mattered – it was quite simply what I call the ‘# ShePaddles effect ’. Brought together by paddlesport ’ s love or curiosity naturally creates a nurturing and supportive environment , empowering all , experiencing freedom and togetherness yet individuality .
ON TOUR
Later , we had a chat about how it went . With beaming smiles , I said to Gayle , “ We should go on tour with this !” And , that ’ s exactly what we did ! ‘# ShePaddlesCymru On Tour 2020 ’ was born ! The first event was planned , risk assessed , equipment and instructors sought within just three days flat . One week later , we were at North Dock , Llanelli , with canoes , kayaks , stand up paddleboards , three instructors and 25 extremely excited participants . Once again , the smiles and laughter rang out as before , but on a larger scale , the ‘# ShePaddles effect ’ was back in action !
With location suggestions from the ladies of the Facebook group , we pretty quickly had a full tour schedule in all corners of Wales suitable for beginner taster sessions . We continued our epic road trip at Barry Dock , Cardiff , Llyn Padarn , Llanberis , Swansea Canal , Clydach , Llyn Tegid , Bala and the lake Llandysul Paddlers Centre . The locations and events were absolutely fantastic and so much fun . We had some incredible participants , picture-perfect locations , and the weather was pretty kind to us each time , always sunny with a good Welsh breeze !
We also had a ‘ grand finale ’ to the tour , a ten-mile paddle expedition on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal . The whole day was such an achievement in many respects , with many never having paddled so far before and pushing their boundaries . Everyone gave 100 % and supported and encouraged each other
through – another incredible day of making memories , friendships and networks for life .
HIGH DEMAND
At the beginning of # ShePaddlesCymru , we didn ’ t expect how big , popular and successful it would be . We ’ d hoped for it , but we never imagined it ! Word spread quickly that Canoe Wales were ‘ On Tour ’. Friends told friends , and online posts got shared . As tickets for each event were released , they went from selling out over several days to in just a couple of hours . Demand was high ! The ladies were ready for action , and we were ready to deliver it ! The idea of a fully sold-out tour surprised us each and every tour date and still does to this day when we look back on it . This , in a year that we thought we wouldn ’ t be able to do anything , to one that was non-stop and actionpacked ! There was a gap in the market for such a provision . We were giving a low cost , nurturing , supportive and non-judgemental experience in an allfemale , female-led environment . We even had childcare available at one of the venues .