As part of this, we are keen to increase opportunities for people to take up paddlesport and enjoy the long term benefits of taking part through lifelong participation. The aim is to help people to progress within the sport to whatever level they desire, and remain in paddlesport for the long term. 

The SCA Lifelong Equality Group was formed in November 2021. The group works alongside the SCA Staff team, the main SCA Equality Group and other equality groups to help make paddlesport accessible to all. 

The Lifelong Equality Group's goal is to actively encourage lifelong participation in all disciplines of paddlesports from all age groups so they might gain from the health, wellbeing, and social benefits that the sport brings.

Action Plan 

1. Support clubs to ensure that they are welcoming and inclusive for older people, especially those new to the sport. Key topics include enhancing the social, pressure-free, non-judgemental, individual ownership of activities, goals relating to journeying/exploring/social, and how to ensure older people feel welcome and at ease.
2. Encourage and support clubs deliver 55+ sessions to entice new older paddlers into the club. Work is beginning with the development of an online webinar to explore with clubs how these could take shape within their own club.
3. Increase media content sharing stories of older people (bringing this perspective to the forefront), as well as sharing solutions for common challenges (e.g. mobility) and relevant fitness related articles.

Volunteers Wanted

It would also be fantastic if we could recruit some more people to join the group and support this work. If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference please get in touch: equality@canoescotland.org

Who is on the committee? 

Gill Berrow

I have now been paddling, on a frequent basis, for over 50 years. During that time I have paddled all sorts of craft, in all kinds of environments, and in a variety of places around the world. I love paddling, and hope to continue paddling for a long while yet! I love being on the water, exploring both new and familiar stretches of water. For me there is freedom, exercise, and enjoyment of the natural environment. I also really enjoy helping others develop their paddling, leading and coaching whatever their interest, their experience or their aspirations. 

I was keen to be part of this group as I believe that Paddlesport is well suited for all ages, and no matter what age people begin, the diversity of our sport makes it one that can sustain  lifelong involvement. As well as being a paddler myself, I paddle with friends and family    (children and grandchildren) as well as professionally working with all age groups. I have always been keen to support others to gain from their involvement in paddlesports regardless of their age, their background or their present level of skill.

Lara Cooper

I grew up paddling, started racing in Canoe Slalom, then got into White Water kayaking (paddling, exploring and coaching), and now love my Sea Kayaking. My professional career is also firmly set in paddlesport as Coach Educator, Qualification Developer and Trainer, and now Development Manager with the SCA. I am delighted to be part of the SCA Lifelong Equality Group, I started paddling at the age of 10 and paddling has remained a significant part of my life ever since. What I seek from my paddling has changed significantly as I have gone on through life. Now in my early 50s I am sure that it will continue to evolve so I can continue for decades to come! Supporting lifelong participation is something I am passionate about, and feel very fortunate to be involved in a sport that can adapt as we get older and as our personal circumstances change. 

Roger Holmes

My first experience of paddlesport was on the River Trent at Newton Solney in Derbyshire with Mercia Venture Scouts in a fibreglass kayak. I remember spinning around a lot but really enjoyed it. Each year we would take part in the Scouts River Dove Canoe Race which was the only day of the year we were meant to paddle it.... I bought my first kayak from Peak 95, the international Scout camp at Chatsworth in Derbyshire. 

When we moved up to Aberfeldy in 1998 I joined Breadalbane Canoe Club and experienced my first real taste of white water paddling at Grandtully. When my kids were young I ended up not paddling for a while to help out at bedtimes so I took up mountain biking as it was easier to fit in. As my kids became old enough to take part they took up slalom and I began to help at their sessions which led me into coaching and ultimately leadership pathway. This pathway also introduced me to open canoeing for the first time and now enjoy and paddle both kayak and canoe in equal amounts.

It has also been great to see the positive effect taking part in paddlesport has had on my kids from the discipline of competition, to paddling whitewater, to a relaxing paddle on a local Loch or giving something back and volunteering and coaching others. I really believe paddlesport is a lifelong pastime for everyone  that can be enjoyed by the different generations together.

Alli Inkster

The breadth of opportunities that paddling disciplines provide is fantastic and has kept me interested from when I first started paddling, in my late teens. I am always looking to share in the happiness paddling has brought into life experiences, and as we age, how paddling continues for all individuals has led to some interesting discussions.

Graham Keates

My life in paddle sport started in the Scouts at the age 14 in canvas kayaks. I love it. I spent a great deal of my early years at the Longridge(Marlow) centre. Becoming very active in Long Distance racing, Slalom and Sprint. I completed the Devices Westminster Marathon as a junior. In my teens I took up WWR White Water Racing at Reading Kayak Club  and advanced to the top 20 paddlers in the UK. Then I joined the services. I became an Army Canoe Union Instructor teaching young soldiers to paddle. The height of this service was to lead an expedition along the West Coast of Italy tracing the Squadrons area of operation during the second world war. Then my career changed resulting in a high degree of active service and paddlesport took a sideline. It was interesting how career commitments took me away from the sport but the inner me always wanted to get back. It was a long time. Some 30 years before I came back! When I left the services I had 20 years dedicated to my work. Then I got really sick. My life as I knew it was at an end. I could do nothing. Lost everything. I did get better and part of that was returning to my passion of kayaking. I just knew it would help with my physical, mental and emotional recovery. It worked. I am getting on a bit now. So with my experience of life and paddlesport I am keen to help others to discover the benefits no matter what your life has presented. Why, because it is simple, graduated fun. What suits you, anyone can do, it does not matter, perceived limitations or barriers our minds set in our later years. I know because I'm doing it now. So can you. Just do it now! We on this committee are here to help.   

Andrew Robertson

I was introduced to paddle sports at secondary school; however, it wasn’t until around the age of 40 that I developed an active interest, eventually joining my local paddling club at Banff. I enjoy open canoe, surf kayak and some easier white-water paddling, however my main passion is sea kayaking. Under the guidance of excellent coaches, and with the support of my local northeast sea kayaking club, I achieved the advanced sea leader award. I’m now focussed on the coaching skills that will enable me to contribute towards the development of other paddlers. Through our group I hope we can encourage new and existing paddlers to have a lifelong association within the sport, and to provide support to they need on their journey.

Rab Wallace

I started my paddling journey not long after joining the Army in 1988. Over the years I have paddled Canoe and Kayak. I transitioned to Stand Up Paddle boarding in 2011 and have never looked back. After a significant back and hip injury I struggled with accessing Canoe and Kayak. Since qualifying Paddleboarding Instructor and Paddlesports Leader, I have been motivated to get individuals who would not normally be able to get access to paddlesports. My passion is on inclusive paddling including Disability, Neurodiversity, Lifelong Paddlers and Families in Vulnerable Circumstances groups. 

As a 55 year old active paddler, I am an advocate and supporter of the mental and physical well-being benefits of paddling for those in the 50+ groups which are well documented. Occupational and Physiotherapists are actively recommending Paddlesports for patients with mental and physical conditions.