PADDLER 66
2026
PADDLER 66
In addition to the main discipline-specific workshops, the weekend also featured sessions such as Greenland rolling and gentle mixed craft river trips, offering something for every style and pace of paddler. True to its reputation, the symposium catered to all, from those pushing hard on rapids to those enjoying relaxed journeys on scenic rivers and lochs.
Participants had the chance to be coached by some of the top paddlesports coaches in the UK, gaining valuable skills and insights. There were also opportunities to demo boats from Pyranha Kayaks, TideRace Sea Kayaks, and Hou Canoes, as well as paddles from VE Paddles, making it a truly inclusive and well-rounded weekend of learning, having lots of fun on and off the water, and enjoying quality time on the water.
OUR GUEST SPEAKERS!
In the evening, taking to the stage, we welcomed three paddlers who shared their inspiring and powerful stories with us. Emy McLeod captivated the audience with tales from her extraordinary canoe expedition through the remote wilderness of the Yukon. Karen Darke shared her
deeply moving journey as a paralysed paddler, highlighting resilience, exploration, and the limitless nature of the human spirit. And Sal Montgomery had us all on the edge of our seats with her thrilling kayaking adventures in Russia – complete with unexpected encounters with bears – lots of bears!
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
This event simply wouldn’ t have been possible without the incredible support of our main sponsors – Paddle Scotland, Palm Equipment, Peak PS, and Glenmore Lodge. Their generosity, passion, and commitment to the women’ s paddling community were instrumental in making the weekend a success. From providing fantastic raffle prizes and subsidising costs for our dedicated volunteer coaches, their contributions went far beyond financial support. Glenmore Lodge delivers not just a great location but also a professional and welcoming environment – fantastic facilities with a great drying room and access to a range of kit and equipment from their kit store. We are grateful for their role in helping to make the symposium a success once again.
2026
“ Next year’ s event is already in the early planning stages, and while nothing is set in stone just yet, we’ re excited to explore a fresh format – potentially in a new location with a stronger focus on advanced skills and progression. Watch this space! In the meantime, I’ m looking forward to getting back on the rivers, more days paddling with friends, exploring new places, and running courses!” Emy McLeod, one of the event organisers and canoe coach