The Scottish Paddlecast

The Scottish Paddlecast

Developed by Paddle Scotland. The Scottish Paddlecast is an opportunity for you to learn about paddlesport in Scotland as we talk about a range of subjects, interview a variety of guests, and tap into a wealth of knowledge. Subscribe now to keep up-to-date with new episodes.

Episodes

July 23, 2020 21 mins

In our FIRST EVER EPISODE, Doug MacDonald talks to Sam Miles. Sam is a performance Slalom Coach and is deployed jointly between Breadalbane Canoe Club and the SCA. Today we find out how he uses his simple coaching methods to bring out the best in his athletes.  As the saying goes - "Simplicity is Key"!

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Doug MacDonald catches up with Lara Cooper. Lara started her lifelong involvement in Paddlesport first as Slalom racer, into WW kayaking (and coach), to recreational sea kayaker mostly now. Her professional career has always revolved around paddling, coaching, and supporting the development of the sport. She is an experienced coach/leader tutor and assessor, who now works for the SCA mainly in a role supporting our tutor and assess...

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Doug MacDonald speaks to British Canoeing Podium Potential Sprint coach, Kristina Medovcikova who leads the women's kayak programme.  Originally hailing from Slovakia, Kristina shares her journey as a sprint paddler and coach from setting out on her journey to coaching European and World Junior Champions.  Kristina shares how her coaching approach has changed and evolved over the years and offers some great advice for aspiring coac...

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In this episode we catch up with SCA Performance Sprint coach and Forth Canoe Club Sprint coach, Tomas Duarte.  In an entertaining conversation with Doug MacDonald, Tomas shares his coaching journey from Portugal to Scotland and in particular how he has grown as a coach from working with young paddlers taking their first strokes to now regularly coaching performance paddlers.

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In this episode we catch up with SCA Performance Slalom Coach, Stuart Gerrie.  In a thought-provoking conversation, Stuart reflects on his early days learning to paddle in Aberdeen and the power of a 'skate park' style approach to canoe slalom.  He also shares his reflections on developing adaptable paddlers and how coaches can develop this with their own athletes.

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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 po...

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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 abl...

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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.

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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.   
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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 l...

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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.
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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. 

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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.
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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.

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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. 

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In this episode we welcome SCA Coach of the Year 2019 Fraser Porter, who was very suddenly diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure that same year. Fraser talks us through his paddling journey, the events that took place leading to a kidney transplant, and how he's working to get back on the water. 

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In this episode we welcome none other than canoe coach legend, Tom Sibbald. Tom takes us through how having dyslexia has affected his life and his coaching, and how he has adapted to doing things differently - and that having dyslexia is not always a negative thing. Tom talks about a book called The Dyslexic Advantage - which is available here both as a traditional book and an audio book. 

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Steve Beevers has been a sports enthusiast all his life. Since being diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease - a genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss - he has had to adapt the sports he does. He has not let this stop him though, and has recently taken to sea kayaking. Join us in this episode to hear about Steve's varied life, and his experience of taking to the water with sight loss.

Released on World Sight Day 2021....

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In this episode, we meet young Paddler Ailsa who describes her journey to becoming a Coach at just 16 years old. She talks of her journey, the support she received, the challenges she overcame and the gratification of the entire experience alongside her coach and mentor, Poppy.

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July 29, 2022 50 mins

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, Hosts Andy and Saira chat to Callum, Lara and Roger about all things safety. This episode is especially aimed at those new to paddlesport - Listen now for an engaging conversation that runs you through what to expect when paddling!

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