India Pearson
“ During a year of uncertainty , taking on the role as a British Canoeing # ShePaddles Ambassador has given me purpose and pride .
“ I have had some incredible opportunities and worked with the most inspiring people . Highlights have included speaking about women in paddlesports on podcasts including Jo Moseley ’ s The Joy of SUP and British Canoeing ’ s
Paddlecast .
I ’ ve also shared knowledge from my experience as a SUP yoga teacher , my story on how I discovered paddleboarding , as well as the positive impact it has had on my mind and body in magazines such as SUP Magazine and Canoe Focus .
“ More recently I have started working with Gill Marine to help the brand develop their range of women ’ s paddling kit , testing products and giving feedback to help the brand produce practical paddle gear for women that also makes you feel good when you wear it !
“ Amongst all of this however , I am most proud of delivering a # ShePaddles event in my local area . The event sold out in just a few days and saw 16 women try kayaking and SUP yoga for the first time at Seapoint Canoe Centre in Hythe . The smiles that beamed from these women throughout the afternoon were incredible and highlighted just how important the # ShePaddles movement is for bringing like minded female souls together on the water . ”
15
“ In June 2020 , I took on a challenge to paddleboard 28 miles along the Royal Military Canal between Sussex and Kent solo . I litter-picked as I went to raise money for the 2 Minute Foundation and edited a ( very basic and low budget ) film about the trip to raise awareness of plastic pollution on our waterways and the work Clear Access Clear Waters does to tackle the issue .
Clare Rutter
“ The last year spent as a # ShePaddles Ambassador has been nothing short of an incredible whirlwind . My feet have barely touched the ground .
“ Being in a position to inspire other females has been such an honour . My idea to start our own # ShePaddlesCymru Facebook group and to go ‘ on tour ’ taking paddlesport taster sessions around Wales , has given so many new and beginner females new experiences , passions and a renewed sense of purpose and belonging .
“ We now have over 2,000 members in our online group , a fully booked bigger and better 2021 tour and so many women and girls becoming new members of Canoe Wales . It ’ s quite simply been huge !
“ I ’ ve paddled some beautiful waters , met some amazing ladies , written weekly discussion posts ; # ShePaddlesSaturday , written articles for newsletters , magazines , blogs and websites , appeared live on TV and online and even recorded a podcast .
“ From fitness to friendship , the ‘# ShePaddles ’ effect , as I like to call it has also had an immeasurable impact on the Welsh women ’ s paddling scene . And it ’ s not slowing down any time yet .
“ Being a # ShePaddles Ambassador has been such an amazing journey and it ’ s one I will certainly never forget . Overall , I ’ ve achieved what I set out and promised to do and it even led to me being awarded the Canoe Wales Volunteer of the Year Award !”
Photo Credit : Mark Evans & Marie Jones
Canoe Focus Late Summer 2021