PADDLER 92
Words : Del Read : https :// delkayaks . co . uk Photos : Del Read : @ del _ likes _ kayaking
PADDLER 92
East Midlands
SHEPADDLES
Weekend 2023
Words : Del Read : https :// delkayaks . co . uk Photos : Del Read : @ del _ likes _ kayaking
A few months ago , I was asked if I was keen to be involved in the East Midlands ( EM ) ShePaddles weekend at Broadway ’ s Meadow on the first weekend of September . I love paddling and sharing that love with others , so I said yes ! It was a brilliant weekend with fantastic weather and lots of happy paddlers . I wanted to share that through an article , so please do have a read .
BEFORE THE WEEKEND
This weekend was organised by the East Midlands Regional Development Team , run by an amazing group of volunteers passionate about sharing their love of paddlesports with others . They wanted to create an event where women could be brought together and allowed to learn and grow in their paddling . The aim was to spread the love of paddling with others across the East Midlands , hoping that the paddlers involved would continue to do the same .
The event was advertised through the EMPaddler ’ s Facebook page and went out to all the EM paddling clubs . Over 50 women had signed up for the weekend in just three days , and the event was completely sold out . It was great that there was a strong presence from the EM clubs and women who had signed up independently . It was a great mix , and it was lovely to have women attend who paddled a whole range of craft . Whilst paddleboards were the most popular craft , there were quite a few canoes and kayaks .
SATURDAY
I arrived at Broadway ’ s Meadow on Saturday morning and was greeted by the sight of tents , gazebos , paddleboards , canoes , kayaks and dozens of women busy getting ready for a day on the water ! Having never been to Broadway ’ s Meadow before , I was amazed at what a brilliant site it was to access the river Soar . A giant field for cars and tents , backing straight onto the river with a pub directly opposite too !