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Why the #ShePaddles Cymru Festival was such a success

Neil Kinnerly • May 10, 2022

Our #ShePaddles Cymru Festival run in partnership with Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre last weekend was a fantastic celebration of women in paddlesport

We're all still beaming in the wake of a hugely successful #ShePaddles Cymru Festival hosted by and run in partnership with Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales on 7-8 May. It has to be said, the good weather was definitely the icing on the cake.

This festival was designed to get women together on the water, and support them with their paddlesport goals, whether that was trying out paddleboarding, learning to roll, or being given the coaching and confidence to take their kayak on white water for the first time.

Our #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassador Katie Simmons describes how she saw her dream came true:

"I'm honestly so so proud of what the #ShePaddles team at Canoe Wales have pulled off this weekend at the #ShePaddles Festival at Plas y Brenin. When I came on as a #ShePaddles ambassador this year it was my biggest dream to have a women's paddling festival and to create a bench mark event for women that was FUN with a great atmosphere! WE DID IT! [...] Huge huge thank you to everyone who attended and made this happen! This is one of the biggest gatherings of females in paddlesports and it was a true honour to be part of the organising!"

Feedback from women who attended was overwhelmingly positive, and many mentioned the amazing vibe and supportive atmosphere they'd experienced. On the first day alone, we had...

74 females participating
16 workshops covering a broad range of paddle disciplines and levels of ability
Trips and guided paddles
Live band (Break the Record) and dancing
Gin tasting by Aber Falls

On the Sunday, a range of paddling journeys were offered, from an introduction to white water on the River Dee (pictured below) to paddleboarding on Llynnau Mymbyr.

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Eila Wilkinson, Sea Kayak Coach and British Canoeing Delivery Partner, who led a sea kayaking journey off the north coast of Anglesey on Sunday, commented:

“What a fantastic day and amazing group of talented ladies! The sun held out and tides have perfect conditions for an introductory bounce through some waves and a circumnavigation of East Mouse! Excellent paddling from everyone!”

Summing up the weekend, our #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassador, Lina Patel, said:

“Great location, good weather and so many inspirational women inspiring other women. A plethora of craft from SUP to sea kayaking and playboats to canoes. An event to lift the soul. A celebration of the magnificence women are in paddlesport. Looking forward to the next one!”

And Ruth Hall, CEO of Plas y Brenin, who has provided fantastic support throughout our partnership, added:

"Incredible to see so many women and girls enjoying their time on the water and forging new friendships at the National Outdoor Centre. Great to see so many trying the activities; some for the first time whilst others further developing their skills.”

As well as offering our own Canoe Wales and #ShePaddles Cymru merchandise, we would like to thank the following organisations for their support at the festival:

Get On The Water
Peak PS (formerly known as Peak UK)
Wildlife Trust
Surfers Against Sewage
O’Shea

We can't wait for next year! If you're not yet part of the #ShePaddles Cymru community, you can join the #ShePaddles Cymru Facebook group for the latest updates and to connect with other women paddling in Wales.