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.

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!

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Lara and Roger chat to Jenny who started stand up paddle boarding later in life. Listen now to hear about Jenny's story and the challenges she faced, what motivated her and the fun time she now spends with her grandkids on the water.

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Roger and Lara speak to Alastair Garrow, retired crisis negotiator in the police force. He has developed the Paddlewell Initiative, a groundbreaking wellbeing programme for Scottish police officers coping with poor mental health. The paddling programme gives police officers mental health support outside of the police environment, and works to help de-stigmatise conversation around mental health.

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Roger and Lara speak to two professional paddlesport coaches: Emy McLeod and Janni Williams. Janni runs South Skye Sea Kayak, and Emy runs Strathspey SUP and freelances with various other outdoor centres. They share with us their passion for paddling, for working in the industry, along with the ups and downs of being a professional paddlesport coach.

In this episode, we meet young paddlers Ava and Kamron who talk about starting their journeys into paddling and being young people in the sport.

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast we speak to Julie & Nicky, paddlers active in the LGBTQ+ community and founders of Cairngorms Pride Paddlers. After being inspired by the SCA's annual Paddling with Pride event, they started the monthly Cairngorms Pride Paddlers group, giving opportunities to members of the LGBTQ+ community to try out paddling and socialise with other LGBTQ+ paddlers.

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast we delve into the vibrant world of paddlesport, exploring club cultures and the inspiring individuals behind North East Sea Kayakers (NESKy).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In episode 1 of our new season, we speak to Moray SUP Club Members Tom Wakeford (Chair), Jim Gibson (Head Coach) and Joyce Johnston (Safeguarding Officer).  We find out how a local community established the SCA's first ever affiliated SUP club.  They share their approach to member recruitment and offer some great advice for aspiring paddlers to start their own SUP club.

This week, we speak to North Berwick Kayak Club coach, Leslie Aitkenhead who enthusiastically coaches young paddlers.  Originally picking up paddling later in life, Leslie shares her journey as an older paddler to becoming a club coach out of necessity.  Leslie shares how her approach to coaching includes the use of children’s imagination during sessions, and offers some great advice for aspiring coaches and in particular, how to learn through fun.

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.

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.

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.

In our FIRST EVER EPISODE, Doug MacDonald talks to Sam Miles. Sam is a performance Slalom Coach and is deployed jointly between Breadalbane Canoe Club and the SCA. Today we find out how he uses his simple coaching methods to bring out the best in his athletes.  As the saying goes - "Simplicity is Key"!

Doug MacDonald catches up with Lara Cooper. Lara started her lifelong involvement in Paddlesport first as Slalom racer, into WW kayaking (and coach), to recreational sea kayaker mostly now. Her professional career has always revolved around paddling, coaching, and supporting the development of the sport. She is an experienced coach/leader tutor and assessor, who now works for the SCA mainly in a role supporting our tutor and assessor workforce.