The Scottish Paddlecast

People of Paddlesport Ep 3: Care Worker to Kayaker - Inclusive Paddling

In a thought-provoking conversation, Forth Canoe Club's Robert Ailey shares his story how the mindfulness aspect of paddling has helped him with his mental health.  Rob also talks about inclusive paddling and how to get involved with the Wheels to Water events, and shares advice clubs can utilise to make paddling a sport for everyone.

People of Paddlesport Ep 4: Lighting Your Own Fire

After some time off, the Scottish Paddlecast is back! We catch up with Gill Berrow who is paddler, coach, leader, course provider & mentor. Gill takes us on her whirlwind paddling & coaching journey, and explains how she has built her mentoring philosophy through years of paddlesport delivery. 

People of Paddlesport Ep 5: Promoting Female Equality in Paddlesports

This week, members of the SCA Female Equality Group share their insight into how role models and supportive networks have a positive impact in recruiting and retaining female paddlers.  They share their approach to promoting female equality in paddlesports and offer some great advice for those looking to get into paddling.

People of Paddlesport Ep 6: Don’t Stop Me Now

Jonathan Riddell, a keen White Water kayaker shares his journey of recovery from a serious head injury. He explains the long-term, but hidden, physical challenges that this has left him with. His drive and motivation to continue his paddling shine through and what he has since achieved is quite remarkable.

People of Paddlesport Ep 7: Canoeing - the Medicine for Life

Shetland paddler, Alain Cook shares an open and honest account of his personal experience of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. From his (long) journey to diagnosis, to learning to live with this condition and realising that canoeing is his 'medicine for life'; it's an inspiring listen and there is so much that everyone learn from him. Released for International CFS/ME Awareness day, 12th May 2021. 

People of Paddlesport Ep 8: Improvise - Adapt - Overcome

In this episode we welcome SCA Coach of the Year 2019 Fraser Porter, who was very suddenly diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure that same year. Fraser talks us through his paddling journey, the events that took place leading to a kidney transplant, and how he's working to get back on the water. 

People of Paddlesport Ep 9: The Dyslexic Advantage in Coaching

In this episode we welcome none other than canoe coach legend, Tom Sibbald. Tom takes us through how having dyslexia has affected his life and his coaching, and how he has adapted to doing things differently - and that having dyslexia is not always a negative thing. Tom talks about a book called The Dyslexic Advantage - which is available here both as a traditional book and an audio book. 

People of Paddlesport Ep 10: World Sight Day

Steve Beevers has been a sports enthusiast all his life. Since being diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease - a genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss - he has had to adapt the sports he does. He has not let this stop him though, and has recently taken to sea kayaking. Join us in this episode to hear about Steve's varied life, and his experience of taking to the water with sight loss.

Released on World Sight Day 2021. 

People of Paddlesport Ep 11: Starting Young

In this episode, we meet young Paddler Ailsa who describes her journey to becoming a Coach at just 16 years old. She talks of her journey, the support she received, the challenges she overcame and the gratification of the entire experience alongside her coach and mentor, Poppy.

People of Paddlesport Ep 12: Safety

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, Hosts Andy and Saira chat to Callum, Lara and Roger about all things safety. This episode is especially aimed at those new to paddlesport - Listen now for an engaging conversation that runs you through what to expect when paddling!