#ShePaddles Cymru

We know that #ShePaddles Cymru has had a significant impact on female participation in paddlesports within Wales. This is evidenced by the increase in female members of Paddle Cymru which has risen from 28% to 36.5% since the programme first started.

The #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club programme is the next step and is all about supporting, promoting and connecting Paddle Cymru affiliated clubs who align with the values of the #ShePaddles Cymru programme and who have female paddlers looking for a community to paddle with.

Each club who signs up to the programme will benefit from tailored support from Paddle Cymru, including funding to support female-focused activity, visits by Paddle Cymru staff and ambassadors, and #ShePaddles branded clothing for all club volunteers.

The support comes in three tiers which align to the amount of activity the club runs, meaning there is room for progression as your female-focused club activity develops. To get started it's this simple.

1. Nominate the Lead
   Each club will be given the opportunity to nominate a #ShePaddles Cymru Club Lead who will be the point of contact for any new or existing female member looking for support or information related to the club’s activity.
   
   
2. Plan some female only sessions
   Sessions will be run as to how the club would like to run them. We know that many affiliated clubs run some fantastic female-focused activity so this definitely isn’t about reinventing the wheel.

We’ve been piloting the programme through three clubs already. Here is what some of those clubs had to say about the programme and the impact it has had on their club:

“We’re really excited to be one of the first #ShePaddles Cymru clubs. I’ve “quit” paddling twice so far and heard many similar stories, so I know I’m not alone! My club was a huge support in getting me back on the water, so I’m keen to support other women to either get involved with paddlesports for the first time, or keep up their momentum and confidence if they’ve already got the paddling bug! Increasing the visibility of women in paddlesports is so important and we’ve already seen a boost in interest as a direct result of #ShePaddles"

Hannah, Llangollen Canoe Club

“I am very excited to be part of the #ShePaddles movement. It is so important to encourage more women and girls into paddling and it is a privilege to be able to share my love for the sport with more female paddlers, new and experienced. I am looking forward to running some sessions in South Wales later this summer!!”

Chloe, Cardiff Canoe Club

• To further connect affiliated clubs with the #ShePaddles Cymru programme
  
• To further increase female membership within affiliated clubs
  
• Supporting our clubs to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive environments for members
  
• To support more females to be volunteers, coaches and leaders

• Each club to sign up will get tailored support from Paddle Cymru
• The amount of female-focused activity your club runs will determine what tier your club is (Gold, Silver and Bronze)
  
• Your club may be able to utilise Paddle Cymru funding towards activity to increase the number of female members in your club.
• Each club will nominate one or two people to be their #ShePaddles Cymru Club Lead/s
  
• Your club will receive visits by Paddle Cymru representatives to help support sessions and to provide advice and guidance on how to further develop female-focused activity within your club
  
• You will receive #ShePaddles Cymru clothing including a branded hoodie (for the Club Lead/s) and be able to access discounts on further clothing or equipment
  

• We will be engaging Club Leads through a private Facebook group so they can share best practice and ask others for advice or guidance
  
• Our Paddle Cymru #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors and Paddle Cymru Development Officers will be on hand to support you and answer any questions, and will meet with you during visits
• Supply you with a branded hoodie you can use for events and sessions so people know who you are
• We will be here to support you with whatever is needed to make this programme a success
  

To find out more about the #ShePaddles Cymru Champion Club programme or to apply, please contact your:

Paddle Cymru Development Officer

Lydia Wilford

• lydia.wilford@paddlecymru.org.uk
• 07958 673858
  

Should you wish to be involved with other #ShePaddles initiatives, you can check for other #ShePaddles Cymru events open for booking here.

To be the first to hear about forthcoming events, join our #ShePaddles Cymru Facebook Group.