WORDS: EMY MCLEOD

Photos:
Kag Gannon,
Niamh Lee,
Alannah Duncan,
Anna Robertson,
Sam West,
Emy Mcleod &
Rich Taylor

Emy McLeod

2026 
“Next year’s event is already in the early planning stages, and while nothing is set in stone just yet, we’re excited to explore a fresh format – potentially in a new location with a stronger focus on advanced skills and progression. Watch this space! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to getting back on the rivers, more days paddling with friends, exploring new places, and running courses!”
Emy McLeod, one of the event organisers and canoe coach

Padles & progress: Celebrating women’s paddling at Glenmore Lodge

Scotland’s rivers, lochs and coastal areas provided the venue for the annual event that is The Scottish Women’s Paddle Symposium. In May, Glenmore Lodge played host to the UK’s biggest women’s paddling event – a vibrant, multi-discipline gathering that brought together paddlers from across the country. From whitewater kayaking and canoeing to stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater rafting and sea kayaking, the event showcased not just the breadth of the sport but the strength, skill, and professionalism of the women driving its future. 

Women-only paddling events play a vital role in creating safe and supportive spaces for women of all skill levels to learn, grow, and connect. For beginners, these events help break down the intimidation that can come with entering a male-dominated environment, fostering confidence and encouraging participation. For more experienced paddlers, they offer a platform to refine technique, take on leadership roles, and inspire others, building a strong network of role models and mentors within the sport. These spaces are not just about paddling; they’re about empowerment, representation, and having a great time out on the water!

Equally important is the need to increase inclusive paddling opportunities, opening up transformative experiences that build independence, strength, and opportunities to try something new; yet, many barriers still exist. Improving adaptive equipment availability, increasing instructor training, and integrating accessible programming into mainstream paddling events are essential steps.

By prioritising inclusivity in the weekend programme, it ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to experience the joy of being on the water and receive coaching in a variety of paddling crafts. Over the weekend, Coach Gemma Hendry of Able to Adventure ran accessibility workshops for several paddlers with disabilities.  This is something that has been introduced to the symposium and has had great feedback and growth.

Whitewater kayaking
The whitewater kayaking sessions over the weekend were a true highlight (always first to sell out), offering something for everyone, from first-time paddlers to seasoned river runners. With workshops ranging from beginner to advanced, participants took to some of Scotland’s most iconic rivers, including the Garry, Moriston, Spey, Tay, and Findhorn.

It was fantastic to witness the progression of returning paddlers pushing their skills further, alongside the excitement of those trying kayaking for the very first time. From learning to read the water and catch eddies, to mastering boofs, rolls, and surfs, the sessions were packed with energy, learning, and plenty of smiles on the rapids.

“This is one of the coaching highlights of my calendar year.  It brings loads of wonderful women together of all abilities.  The atmosphere on Saturday night is just brilliant after everyone has had an enjoyable day on the water”
Georgina Maxwell: Advanced WW Kayak Coach  

Open boating
The open boating workshops, led by coaches Beth Wallis, Emy McLeod, and Shula Bayton, provided a varied experience for paddlers from introductory to advanced levels. Sessions covered traditional canoeing skills, such as poling, lining, and tracking, as well as coaching on how to sail a canoe in winds of up to Force 4.  Taking to the river, workshops explored river running, and reading rapids to find smooth, efficient lines.

Participants had the opportunity to explore stunning lochs, such as Lochindorb and Loch Morlich, and tackle moving water on the Spey, Tay, and Oich. With numbers in the canoe workshops continuing to grow, it’s clear that the energy and expertise of inspiring female coaches across the industry are playing a huge part in attracting more paddlers to this versatile and rewarding discipline.

Sea kayaking
The sea kayaking workshops offered an incredible mix of skill-building, exploration, and adventure. Starting with fundamentals on sheltered lochs, participants gradually progressed to more dynamic coastal venues, including the stunning Moray Coast and Cromarty Firth. Paddlers caught waves to surf, weaved between rocky outcrops, and were treated to sightings of marine life while navigating around landmarks like Bow Fiddle Rock.

A key part of the weekend was the Sea Safety and Rescue session, led by coach Kag Gannon, where paddlers learned essential safety techniques and practised rescues in a supportive, hands-on environment.  Experienced coaches Kate Duffus and Alice McInnes led the advanced sea kayaking sessions at Portknockie, where sunshine, teamwork, and breathtaking views combined to create a truly unforgettable experience on the water.

Stand-up paddleboarding
The stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) sessions over the weekend offered an incredible journey, from first-timers finding their balance on lochs to more experienced paddlers taking on exciting Grade 3 river sections. Coaches Nic Welsh, Emily Hamilton-Peach, Noush Duffy, and Niamh Lee delivered high-quality sessions across both flatwater and moving water, creating a fun and supportive environment for all. The feedback was that participants were thrilled to have pushed their limits, gained confidence, and developed their skills with every paddle stroke.

Whitewater rafting
Returning for a second year, whitewater rafting was once again a popular addition to the weekend, with Kirsten Petrie & Rachel Lawrie leading an action-packed workshop on the River Garry. Participants not only got the thrill of running rapids but also gained hands-on experience in essential rafting skills—learning how to be on a stick, drop into holes for a surf, and pick dynamic lines for maximum excitement. The sessions also placed a strong emphasis on safety, with paddlers developing their understanding of unpinning techniques, reading water, and best practices for keeping teams safe on moving water. It was a high-energy, skill-building experience that blended fun with practical learning.

“The introduction of rafting at SWPS has allowed all forms of paddle sports to be available. This enables participants to access venues at this stage of their development that might otherwise not be accessible and seem out of reach. Rafting on the River Garry provides a great introduction to rafting, whether as a participant or by taking the stick and having a go at guiding. Rafting has something for everyone and is a great platform to see technical and tactical river skills  in action whilst feeling in your comfort zone.”
Kirsten Petrie: WW Rafting Coach & Provider

In addition to the main discipline-specific workshops, the weekend also featured sessions such as Greenland rolling and gentle mixed craft river trips, offering something for every style and pace of paddler. True to its reputation, the symposium catered to all, from those pushing hard on rapids to those enjoying relaxed journeys on scenic rivers and lochs.

Participants had the chance to be coached by some of the top paddlesports coaches in the UK, gaining valuable skills and insights. There were also opportunities to demo boats from Pyranha Kayaks, TideRace Sea Kayaks, and Hou Canoes, as well as paddles from VE Paddles, making it a truly inclusive and well-rounded weekend of learning, having lots of fun on and off the water, and enjoying quality time on the water.

Our Guest Speakers!
In the evening, taking to the stage, we welcomed three paddlers who shared their inspiring and powerful stories with us. Emy McLeod captivated the audience with tales from her extraordinary canoe expedition through the remote wilderness of the Yukon. Karen Darke shared her deeply moving journey as a paralysed paddler, highlighting resilience, exploration, and the limitless nature of the human spirit. And Sal Montgomery had us all on the edge of our seats with her thrilling kayaking adventures in Russia – complete with unexpected encounters with bears – lots of bears!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event simply wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our main sponsors – Paddle Scotland, Palm Equipment, Peak PS, and Glenmore Lodge. Their generosity, passion, and commitment to the women’s paddling community were instrumental in making the weekend a success. From providing fantastic raffle prizes and subsidising costs for our dedicated volunteer coaches, their contributions went far beyond financial support. Glenmore Lodge delivers not just a great location but also a professional and welcoming environment – fantastic facilities with a great drying room and access to a range of kit and equipment from their kit store. We are grateful for their role in helping to make the symposium a success once again.