ShePaddles wEEKEND RETREAT
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Words by Rebecca Edwards , 22 / 23 # ShePaddles Ambassador
We are so grateful here at Mersea boating Lake to have been able to hold the very first Women ’ s only # ShePaddles Weekend retreat in partnership with British Canoeing . It was an amazing weekend !
From start to finish the women came together to help support and enjoy a range of activities .
The ladies met and worked together to put up their tents in the crazy afternoon heatwave before exploring the area and jumping in the lake for a nice cool down ! The evening followed with a bbq and relax around the fire with smores and getting to know each other .
Saturday was a full day of activities from start to finish ! The day started with a sunrise swim , before a briefing for the water sports activities , the ladies took to the water and tried out stand up paddleboarding , kayaking and took on the water assault course ! Some ladies even took on the mega SUP !
After a nice lunch break the ladies had aerobics and pilates sessions which some did in the water as we were blessed with the most stunning sunny day ! It was then time to get creative and the women tried their hand at a paint class where the ladies painted a paddler on the lake . The evening ’ s entertainment was dinner followed by a live singer , Lianna Kaye , and a spot of bingo !
Sunday the ladies came together to take on a fun and inclusive triathlon ! 50 women took to the water on their chosen craft to complete the course , before heading out for a scenic route around the countryside . The ladies could run , walk or jog the route and everyone completed it at their own pace but together as a group . We ended the triathlon with all of the women heading in for a couple of laps of the lake followed by a really chilled float around . There was an overwhelming sense of achievement and also a little sadness that the weekend was coming to an end .
The weekend was so amazing as women from all walks of life came together and enjoyed a range of activities accompanied by time together on and off the water , learning new skills , making new friends and memories to last a lifetime !
Seeing how much fun and enjoyment the ladies had was worth all the hard work to make this event happen ! Bring on ShePaddles Weekender 2024 !!
Canoe Focus Early Summer 2023
Photo Credit : Josie , Folkandfilm _ weddings