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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

In this final episode of our first series of Coaching Conversations, we are joined by British Paracanoe Head Coach, Scott Simon. Scott shares his exciting journey learning to paddle in Wales, through his time in the Royal Air Force and most recently heading up British Canoeing's Paracanoe Programme. Scott has sage advice for us all and in particular about learning to embrace the individuality of everyone you work with.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Swedish Federation’s Performance Kayaking Coach, Evelina Menning, shares her unique & ground-breaking approach to coaching the 200m K1 event & working with paddlers from grassroots right the way up to elite performers medalling at World Championships and competing at Olympic games. She also shares her reflections & advice for aspiring coaches, particularly around working with mentors & being able to articulate your coaching philosophy.

In this special episode, Doug MacDonald, catches up with Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot Matt as they reflect on his journey from his early days learning to fly through the relentless pressures of training and how he adapted to cope. Matt shares his thoughts on areas where the world of sport can learn from aviation training whether as recreational paddlers going on big expeditions or as competitive paddlers trying to maximise our potential as performers.