The Scottish Paddlecast

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Lara Cooper and Roger Holmes speak to Eilidh Wood and Beth Wallis about their neurodiversity and the challenges and opportunities it offers. Beth is a multi-discipline coach who describes herself as "hilariously dyslexic" and also has ADHD, while 16-year old Eilidh was recently diagnosed as autistic. 

This episode is published in support of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025.

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, we speak to Malcolm, who started paddling later in life following a serious health scare. In Malcolm's words "there's no age limit to these things. Paddle boarding is for everybody.. As long as you've got the basic skills and you know you can be safe.. then anybody can go do it."

In this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast we delve into the vibrant world of paddlesport, exploring club cultures and the inspiring individuals behind North East Sea Kayakers (NESKy).

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast we speak to Julie & Nicky, paddlers active in the LGBTQ+ community and founders of Cairngorms Pride Paddlers. After being inspired by the SCA's annual Paddling with Pride event, they started the monthly Cairngorms Pride Paddlers group, giving opportunities to members of the LGBTQ+ community to try out paddling and socialise with other LGBTQ+ paddlers. 

In this episode, we meet young paddlers Ava and Kamron who talk about starting their journeys into paddling and being young people in the sport. 

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Roger and Lara speak to two professional paddlesport coaches: Emy McLeod and Janni Williams. Janni runs South Skye Sea Kayak, and Emy runs Strathspey SUP and freelances with various other outdoor centres. They share with us their passion for paddling, for working in the industry, along with the ups and downs of being a professional paddlesport coach.

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Roger and Lara speak to Alastair Garrow, retired crisis negotiator in the police force. He has developed the Paddlewell Initiative, a groundbreaking wellbeing programme for Scottish police officers coping with poor mental health. The paddling programme gives police officers mental health support outside of the police environment, and works to help de-stigmatise conversation around mental health. 

On this episode of the Scottish Paddlecast, hosts Lara and Roger chat to Jenny who started stand up paddle boarding later in life. Listen now to hear about Jenny's story and the challenges she faced, what motivated her and the fun time she now spends with her grandkids on the water. 

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!

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.