Interview: Peter Tranter
Photos: Tanya Neilson,
Hannah Vineer/
#ShePaddles Cymru,
Hollie Norman,
H.E.N photography
www.henphotography.blog
and Laura Wynne
We first interviewed Laura in issue 68 (https://paddlerezine.com/laura-wynne) about her paddling life and white water in particular.
A chat with Laura Wynne about… #ShePaddles Cymru
Laura is now heavily involved and coaching with the #ShePaddles community and their Cymru events, so we caught up with her to get a little more depth on the subject (no pun intended:)
What exactly are the ShePaddles Cymru events/weekends?
The events aim to showcase what ShePaddles is all about. It brings a large community of women of all paddling abilities together. It offers them a range of progressive workshops across different paddling disciplines run by female coaches over a fun, enjoyable and sociable weekend.
Cymru events/weekends
ShePaddles Cymru event in May:
Capel Curig, Plas Y Brenin
Saturday is a taster day; introduction to kayaking, SUP boarding, sea kayaking and canoeing with experienced coaches working alongside you. In the evening, there is a rolling session in the pool.
Sunday are the journeys; white water kayakers go to the Tryweryn, sea kayakers go to the Menai Straits, canoeing at Llyn Padarn Lake, and the SUP boards go to Bala.
ShePaddles Cymru White Water Festival (June) National White Water Centre, Bala
Saturday coaching sessions include white water boost (coaching on the graveyard yard), surf and smile (coaching technical skills getting on and off waves), intro to slalom, intro to rafting and much more.
Sunday, you would go on more of a journey and practice and develop the skills they had learnt the previous day.
As well as the coaching workshops, there are demo boats on trial, a live band on Saturday evening, an onsite bar, an ice breaker quiz, ShePaddles Cymru merchandise on sale and talks from inspirational female paddlers as well a great sociable atmosphere. Many other events happen throughout the year; please look on the website for more information.
How did you get involved with the #ShePaddles Cymru events?
I have my own coaching and guiding company, Wynne Outdoor Adventures, and I have done a lot of work with women on the River Dart over the past few years and post everything I do on social media. Through that, I was emailed by Lydia from Canoe Wales asking me if I would like to coach at the ShePaddles events; I jumped at the chance as it was such an excellent opportunity to be able to reach so many more women and do what I love doing the most, getting women out on white water and helping them develop themselves on a larger scale.
How do you tackle the doubts and anxieties that paddlers may understandably have?
Firstly, I assess their boat and paddle to make sure it will help them towards what they want to achieve and not make everything more difficult for them. I will chat with them to find out if they have had any negative experiences or swims and whether that has caused them to become anxious about certain aspects of whitewater or it all. From here, I can tailor my coaching to help them in those areas. I will spend a lot of time reassuring them and trying to get them to focus on the present and less on what has happened previously.
I try and make the whole experience positive and fun, as I am so passionate about white water and enjoy it so much that I want to pass that on to whoever I am coaching.
Why do you think there continue to be barriers in the paddling world and general within the sporting community? What is the best way to bring more women into paddling?
I think that a large number of people struggle to overcome their fears, find the confidence to push through challenging situations and have a lot of mental anxiety. This, combined with paddling alongside or being coached by others who may not fully understand mental anxiety, can stop people from not giving it a go or pursuing it further.
That has come from my experience as a female paddler/coach and from many years as an outdoor instructor; I think many females find themselves in this position. I think that if there were more communities, clubs, coaches and courses that worked towards developing a person’s mental ability, i.e. helping them tackle their fears and anxieties and helping them to build their confidence as much as they develop their physical ability, then this could hopefully encourage more people to give things a go and pursue it as far as possible.
More female paddlers pushing the sport and being role models would instil confidence and encourage women to get involved in the sport and make them feel empowered to reach such a high level. It is just like the lionesses’ effect in football now.
The final barrier, a lot of outdoor sports have been finding a kit that fits. Although there is much more range than there used to be, it is still a huge challenge finding drysuits and buoyancy aids, for example, to fit a range of body shapes. If you don’t feel confident and comfortable with what you’re wearing and in yourself before you have even got on the water, then you’re already starting in a negative place. That is, if it hasn’t stopped you from getting on the water in the first place.
What are the key aspects that you enjoy working at the events?
For me, it is simple; it’s seeing women start the days with low confidence, being anxious and apprehensive, then seeing them progress, become confident, relaxed, have fun, smile and feel proud of themselves for what they have achieved by the end.
What would you say to women who have seen the ShePaddles Cymru articles and stories over the past few years but are doubting their abilities to get involved?
Joining clubs and groups can be daunting, especially if you have low confidence in your ability, but that is precisely who the ShePaddles campaign is tailored to. So many women who have been in the same position have taken that step to get involved, and that is where those stories have come from. I would say believe the stories you read and hear about, take that leap and give it a go, as I promise you it is such a friendly and welcoming environment to be in with like-minded women, and there is plenty of support to help you find that confidence.
If you have any questions or queries, contact Lydia:lydia.wilford@canoewales.com for up-and-coming events, and we will support you with finding the right session to try.
Why do you think the ShePaddles Cymru initiative is essential?
The ShePaddles is one big community. It provides a supportive environment for women who express anxiety and have low confidence in their paddling. It gives women a safe space to come together and paddle, whether they have never paddled before and or those who are experienced. Many women feel more confident asking questions and trying new things in a female-only environment.
What is the best way to spread the ShePaddles Cymru message?
ShePaddles has its own Facebook and Instagram accounts; I also spread the message through my Wynne Outdoor Adventures pages on social media. There is a ShePaddles website that is updated on the latest events. Lydia sends out update emails to our members. Eight ShePaddles Cymru paddling clubs offer regular female-friendly sessions.
What personal aspirations do you have for the next 12 months?
I will keep pushing myself on white water and develop my skills. I am planning another trip up to Scotland in November and have a couple of rivers I would like to get on and possibly make some trips to Wales.
Hopefully, there will be more consistent water this winter in Devon, so I can run some more intros and progression sessions on the river and hopefully be able to do some guiding on the Upper Dart.
