Continuing the Journey: Developing Our #ShePaddles Leaders
The #ShePaddles Leadership Programme has entered its second phase, continuing to support and develop the same cohort of female paddlers who began their journey last year. This phase focuses on discipline and environment specific development days, allowing each participant to progress at their own level and pace.
Those confident in their paddling environment are being mentored to further develop leadership and coaching skills, while others are using the sessions to build personal paddling confidence and capability. The programme continues to foster a strong, supportive community of female paddlers across Northern Ireland, one that values shared learning, encouragement, and growth.
We have encouraged participants to attend as many sessions as possible. Even if someone specialises in one discipline, there are a wealth of transferable skills to be gained across all craft and environments.
This phase reflects Paddle NI’s ongoing commitment to gender equity, leadership development, and inclusive participation in paddlesport.
Programme Overview
Each session will offer two development pathways:
- Leadership Development - for paddlers who are comfortable in the environment and working towards leadership qualifications.
- Personal Skills Development - for paddlers wishing to build confidence and technical ability in the environment before leading. Observing leadership in action is also highly beneficial.
Session 1 Sheltered Water Environment - 25th October 2025
Focus: Paddlesport Leader Multi-Craft – Moving or Open Water
This session will develop paddlers working towards the Paddlesport Leader Award, with emphasis on environmental awareness, group management, and leadership in sheltered water conditions.
Session 2 Moderate Water Environment Sea Kayak - 2nd November 2025
Focus: Sea Kayak Leader
A sea kayak–specific session aimed at developing paddlers towards the Sea Kayak Leader Award, focusing on leadership, navigation, and safety in moderate water environments.
Session 3 Moderate Water Environment White Water - 6th December 2025
Focus: White Water Kayak/Canoe Leader
A white water–specific development day focusing on technical paddling, safety, and group leadership in moderate water conditions.
Session 4 Sheltered Water Environment Follow on - 17th January 2026
Focus: Paddlesport Leader Multi-Craft – Moving or Open Water
A follow-on session from Session 1, reinforcing the skills, confidence, and leadership knowledge developed earlier in the programme
Session 5 Moderate Water Environment Sea Kayak Follow On - 21st February 2026
Focus: Sea Kayak Leader
A continuation of Session 2, allowing participants to consolidate skills and progress towards assessment readiness.
Session 6 Moderate Water Environment White Water Follow On - TBC
Focus: White Water Leader
An additional moderate water development day for white water paddlers will be scheduled and confirmed in due course.