Paddler Spotlight: Share your stories

Through the National Inclusion Survey, we received lots of feedback that we need to improve the diversity and representation of our imagery and stories – to share more from people of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We recognise that our media lacks diversity when it comes to ethnic diversity and the representation of people with disabilities, for example, and we hope to make positive changes through this initiative.

How can I share my story for the Paddler Spotlight?
All you have to do is share your story with us via our form here: https://forms.paddleuk.org.uk/live/form/PaddlerSpotlightSubmissionForm/formperma/iAXLmSEzU1MxAZ5Wef0sZcYnNjA7frZQGK0XRWPeILI or if you prefer to send us an email, get in touch at mediaenquiries@paddleuk.org.uk. We’ll do the rest! Don’t forget to include photos to bring your story to life.

You can submit your story as an individual or on behalf of someone else or a group. You can also tell us about events that you might be running; initiatives you’re supporting throughout the year; case studies on clubs or deliverers running programmes to connect paddling with new communities; or spotlights on individuals breaking down barriers and working hard to make our sport more equitable, diverse and inclusive.

How we’ll share your story
We strive to share as many stories as we can from across the paddling community, and we do our best to ensure these are aligned with the many awareness and celebration days, weeks and months as possible. We’re hopeful that we’ll see lots of submissions through our form, so please bear with us as we process them – there will be no guarantee that your submission will be shared the month you submit it, but it may appear in later months, so keep an eye out.

For more guidance on what we’re looking for and how to submit your story, download our guidance document here: https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/shared-files/british-canoeing-central-documents/Paddler-Spotlight-Guidance-Document.pdf

Paddler Spotlight: How Herts Disability Sports Foundation is making paddling accessible for everyone. Words by Hester Hearn

Check out our most recent Paddler Spotlight, where we caught up with #ShePaddles Ambassador Hester Hearn about the work she’s been doing in collaboration with the Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF) to support their paddling sessions for adults and children with physical and/or learning disabilities below and check out all the spotlights from this year: https://paddleuk.org.uk/category/all-news/edi/.

The Herts Disability Sports Foundation supports individuals across Hertfordshire with a wide range of sports and physical activities for people with disabilities, including paddleboarding and bell boating. They strive to offer adapted opportunities for anyone who cannot access mainstream physical activities – developing group activities for those who have previously not been included.

As a qualified Paddlesports Instructor (SUP), I was interested in doing some voluntary instruction and was already aware of the great work being done by HDSF. So, I offered my services at the beginning of the year and have been working with them since.
Having an extra instructor has enabled them to offer more places on the paddling sessions, which are always fully booked. Ros Cramp, who runs the charity, has a positive knack for persuasion. Before I knew it, I had completed my Bell Boat Helm qualification, so I can now help with those sessions, which is fantastic as they’re always popular.

“I like paddling, mainly bell boating, because it’s really good fun and really relaxing on the water. I look forward to meeting the others and that my mum can come too and enjoy it with me. I like looking at the scenery. Tuesday is bell boating day and it’s one of my favourite days.”
Participant Alice

I’m enjoying volunteering and working with those who attend the sessions. They teach me to be more mindful and enjoy the moment, often without speaking – whether that means just following the ripples on the water, observing the wildlife at the water’s edge, listening to the birds in the trees, or noting the different sounds of vehicles travelling along the road nearby.

Each participant behaves in a unique way, and it’s great getting to know them. It’s also lovely to work with a team at HDSF that is so passionate about improving the lives of others and ensuring that those often excluded have the opportunity to experience paddling and its benefits.

“I like bell boating as I’m out with the team, but I would like to be on a boat on my own, like the paddling group on a Thursday. I tried paddle boarding on a massive beanbag, but I needed two staff with me. I want to be able to paddle independently.”
Participant Caz

Each week during the season, they run a one-hour bell boat and paddling sessions. Sessions are open to ages eight and above, with the paddleboard session aimed at those who like to be independent in their own craft. The bell boat sessions are aimed at those who can’t, for various reasons, be independent on their own craft – which would include wheelchair users, as the bell boats have adapted bucket seats with 4-point harnesses, and the participant can be hoisted in.

Sessions are at Stanborough Park Watersports Centre, which has excellent disability facilities, including an extensive range of paddleboards, a pontoon hoist, and a changing room.

Ros Cramp, Director of Herts Disability Sports Foundation, shares her reflections:
“We started out with regular bell boats at Stanborough Park for day services, but we quickly realised how many people still could not access paddlesports. Gradually, we developed moulded seats with harnesses, hand paddles, and anything else we could do to make activities accessible.

“As new people want to try paddling, we have done our best to work out how we can safely cater for individual needs while ensuring the human being feels as independent and empowered as possible. We love being able to make things happen for people who either don’t think they can or are determined to try, no matter what.

“We are very excited to be working with the new Paddle UK Disability group, to learn from others and, where needed, help design the best resources possible so that we can ultimately get more people with disabilities out on the water, safely.”