Scottish Association Annual Report 2019 - 2020

1 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Contents

Our Mission Introductions from the SCA To enable and inspire involvement in paddlesport; for Page 3 President, Chair & CEO enjoyment, health, community, challenge and achievement. Page 9 Coaching & Education Pathways & Achievement - Page 17 Olympic & Paralympic Our Vision Page 19 Membership Working collaboratively at the heart of paddlesport Page 20 Participation & Events communities in Scotland to create more paddlers, more Page 21 Financials members and more national and international success. Page 25 Access & Environment Our Values Page 26 Equality Group Discipline Committee • Leadership Page 27 Reports • Engagement Openness #WeAreTheSCA • Our Board, Staff & • Inclusiveness Page 36 Committees • Responsibility SCA Recognition Awards • Collaboration Page 38 2019

2 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Foreword from the President

I write this introduction having read all In the pages that follow- and they are paddling in one discipline, would quickly of the reports below. It reminds me yet worth having a look at-there are some encounter opportunities across this again of how diverse a sport we are- common themes showing the integrity sport because people talk to each other, from top level international elite activity, of Scottish Paddlers - a commitment to share opportunities and have an innate to introductory leisure/family/ encouraging participation of the young commitment to bringing people on. recreational activities. Right across that and widening the reach and diversity of spectrum there is a lot to be proud of, participants, a strong identification with It’s good to see new areas developing in and you can read that for yourselves - I the sport as a whole and of taking care SUP paddling, likewise the Ocean Racing would quietly suggest that together we of the environment we pursue it in. communities. Following many other are punching well above our collective There’s a sense of crossover, you get the areas, both these disciplines are weight. impression that anyone who starts reaching new paddlers by combining

3 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Foreword from the President

both competitive and recreational continuing to attract newcomers whilst Again the online activity of you all has approaches. I firmly believe that these achieving at the highest levels. It is demonstrated that we as a whole are a are complementary aspects, not good to see that Jon Schofield is forging great deal more than the sum of our competing claims for the same turf! strong links with clubs and employing parts. In purely numerical terms, our new and well established talent - it online networks were more actively New areas of growth are always going continues the theme of us all being in engaged with than entire English to attract attention but I am particularly this together. network - with 10 times the membership heartened by the resurgence of strong base - and they are doing well - but you wild water racing. This does not happen COVID has really challenged many are doing something remarkable. by accident and I commend the work of sports, and I know many in paddling Fraser Gormal and Paul Anderson here have had their prospects curtailed this David Simpson, President which also shows an aspect of year, drastically and at times cruelly. succession planning that is a feature of There are some real challenges facing Scottish paddling across many the country and this organisation but I disciplines and clubs - former elite truly believe we are in a strong position athletes/top paddlers giving their time to meet these. I am humbled by the back to the sport at club and attitude and engagement of you all to international level. You can see that in continuing to work together, often many areas - particularly delighted to online, to maintain training, support, see the surfers competing out in Peru, giving advice, and interpreting the but also the slalom committee various guidelines from our Government.

4 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 From the Chair

Writing an annual report is always an to all of these people for the as without it much of what we do would exercise in drawing an artificial line in contributions that they have made. not be possible. This is particularly true the sand which becomes more irrelevant The mix of experience and new for the period following the current year as time passes until the report is perspectives which now characterise the end where additional flexibility and published. Never has this been more board have provided for effective and support has been offered to help us true than this year. The world up to 31st proportionate oversight of the adapt to deal with the ongoing situation. March 2020 was a very different place operations as well as offering new from the one we have lived in since insights into how we can plan for the then. future. It looks likely that there will be no further changes in this regard at the However, it is worth reflecting on 2020 AGM but the process of refreshing 2019-20 as another year of steady the board membership will resume so progress against our objectives as an that it is completed over the next 3 year organisation, supported as always by cycle. In the meantime I would like to our very dedicated staff team and the thank all of the directors for their large number of volunteers without ongoing commitment to the best whom much of what we do would not interests of the SCA. be possible. The various sections of this report highlight their many achievements. My thanks, as always, go The ongoing investment and support from sportscotland is also appreciated

5 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 From the Chair

In March 2020, the environment in always been popular amongst some organisationally and whilst it is clear which the SCA operates changed almost sections of our membership when that we will face financial and beyond recognition as it did for our various projects were mooted which organisational challenges we can go members and much of society. Since would have benefitted from investment forward with confidence that we will long before the SCA was incorporated in of some, or all of those reserves. We emerge ready and able to continue our May 2000, we have had a policy of now have ample evidence that this journey. maintaining a strong financial reserve to policy has always been the right one. ensure the organisation will be in a Brian Chapman, Chair position to continue operating in We reached the end of the 2019-20 year challenging times. This policy has not in a sound condition both financially and

6 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 From the CEO

This Annual Report highlights further place - with good discussion and debate I would like to take this opportunity to progress and achievement within the about the priority areas for the future. thank everyone involved in organising four year Strategic Plan 2017-2021. This was a really positive time where we our sport and running the activities and Together we have continued to make were able to listen to other people’s events that are appreciated by so many. good progress against all the seven key perspectives about our sport and to Your contribution is more important than areas of the plan and paddlesport share our views and experiences. The ever as we work together to resume our activity in Scotland has continued to relationships and understanding that activities, post COVID, in a safe and grow. events like this have helped us to build responsible way. have put us in a strong position as we Just before the end of this financial year have transitioned to remote working and Stuart Smith, CEO the latest committee and board joint online meetings through the COVID networking and planning weekend took lockdown and beyond.

7 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 ”Personal Performance Awards represent a significant opportunity for further growth and a flexible framework for coaches, leaders and other paddlesport providers to utilise and offer progression recognition to paddlers”

8 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Coaching & Education

This was another year of positive for many including coaching, courses, further growth and a flexible framework developments in the world of coaching activities, trips and expeditions for coaches, leaders and other and leadership with the new Personal preparations by clubs, centres and paddlesport providers to utilise and offer Performance Awards and Paddlesport providers. SCA moved into a focus on progression recognition to paddlers. Instructor going live, followed by new supporting members through the period The appetite for Continuous Personal Stand Up Paddleboard Coach awards. We of lockdown including delivering many Development (CPD) by coaches and now have over 2000 qualified coaches activities online. The appetite for online leaders remains strong; through face to and leaders in SCA membership, learning, engagement and sharing was face practical and online activity. This collectively delivering an incredible incredible and it really shows the year had the highest number of distinct volume of safe, fun and progressive strength of the community. coaches and leaders engaging in CPD for activity to paddlers. The new Personal Performance Awards many years. (PPAs) are now being embedded in As the reporting year drew to a close the paddlesport activity in many areas. PPAs Andy Murray, Head of Coaching & Coronavirus pandemic halted the plans represent a significant opportunity for Development

9 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Coaching & Education

10 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Coaching & Education in Numbers

11 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 12 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Coaching & Education Leadership Courses Breakdown 4% 3% 11% 3% 1%

16% Adv Canoe Leader Adv Sea Adv WW Kayak Leader Adv WW OC 1 Leader Canoe Leader Paddlesport Leader 35% Leader WW Kayak Leader

WW = White Water OC = Open Canoe

13 28% SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Safety Training Breakdown 2%

22% 16%

3%

Adv WWSR CNTP FSRT OWNTP WWSR

WWSR = White Water Safety Rescue CNTP = Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning FSRT = Foundation Safety & Rescue Training OWNTP = Open Water Navigation & Tidal Planning 57%

14 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Coaching & Education Paddlesport Instructor Qualifications Breakdown

7% 1%

31%

61%

SUP Sit-On-Top Open Canoe Kayak

15 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 The SCA Performance programme continues to progress in the Olympic & Paralympic disciplines

16 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Pathways & Achievement - Olympic & Paralympic

2019-2020 saw some fantastic Squad spending a huge amount of time Championships. Lois Leaver in K1W and performances by Scottish Performance on the Lee Valley Whitewater course and Ailsa Gourlay in C1W came through a Squad athletes as well as the the Sprint Squad enjoying productive tough selection series and performed well consolidation of the coaching & training camps in Oslo, Ponte de Lima at the following Championships, Lois performance team through the addition and Porto Antigo. narrowly missing out on a World of several new coaches and new Head of Championships A-Final. Duncan Edwards Performance & Pathways, Jon Schofield. In the Slalom programme, following on also represented GB at the U23 European from great work done over the previous Championships. As always, an extensive programme of winter with the whole coaching squad we training, racing and training camps had two junior athletes representing GB In sprint, the season began with Ben abroad was undertaken. With the Slalom at the European and World Gallacher enjoying his first senior representation with a last minute call up to the U23 K4 500m for World Cup 1 and a strong contingent of Scottish Paddlers representing GB at the Brandenburg International Regatta. This was followed on by representation at the Junior World & European Championships by Alexandra Armstrong & Skye Cadell, making 50% of the GB K4 crew Scottish. The season ended on a high with Scotland sending a large contingent of athletes to the Olympic Hopes Regatta, the test ground for the aspiring stars of the future. There 17 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Pathways & Achievement, Olympic & Paralympic were too many excellent performances to following previous supporting work and preparing for the planned selection series focus on any single one, however it was Rachel Schofield joined the team for the when the COVID-19 lockdown kicked in well noted how professional and high first time. Both supporting sprint athletes and racing was cancelled. An unfortunate performing the Scottish contingent was. in weekly training and on camps. Sam end to a fantastic winter of preparation. Miles moved to Scotland to join the Similarly affected, the sprint squad was At the end of the year with the Slalom Scottish paddling community, coaching looking forward to starting the process of National Rankings and the Sprint National primarily for Breadalbane Canoe Club but topping the 2019 racing season. Championships, many squad paddlers also supporting the SCA performance However it was not to be. finished the season as National Squad at identified camps and planned Champions or National Medallists. This competitions. was a fitting end to a strong season and Jon Schofield, Head of Performance & the start of a winter of training with the Pathways usual dedication. Winning Students

Following kick-off camps in Lee Valley for The SCA continues to support athletes in Slalom and Dunbar for the Sprint Squad, their applications to the Winning Student both squads kicked into winter training, programme with a range of disciplines supported by coaches Stuart Gerrie, Mark being represented and benefiting from Delaney, Adam Johnstone & Anton the huge support available to maximise Vazquez Camino. They were also joined both training and study. at various points in the winter by new Moving into the 2020 racing season, the additions to the coaching team. Tomas Slalom squad were in the midst of Duarte joined in a permanent role,

18 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Membership

Membership & Gender Breakdown

19 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 *At 31/03/2020 in the 9 different categories of membership: Full, Recreational, Junior, Family Adult, Family U18, Family Recreational, Honorary, Life, Supporter **Members of SCA Affiliated Clubs who are not also SCA members, at 31/03/2020 ***Increase of total SCA Membership Participation & Events

20 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Financials

The following shows a summary of the to the cancellation of some events in at the Grandtully campsite did not take SCA Finances for the year 2019-2020. March 2020 and the postponement of place in order to conserve resources and The official SCA Accounts for the year planned expenditure due to the to put the SCA in the best financial show more details and, in addition, the outbreak of COVID-19. position to be able to handle the Finance Director has produced a uncertainty and financial challenges financial commentary which is also SCA Discipline Committees spent less in ahead. Where possible we minimised all published on the SCA website. March 2020 than normal as it became expenditure as we entered COVID clear that our season of events and lockdown. This year, the SCA made a surplus of competitions was not going to proceed £21,427 after tax. This was largely due in the usual way. Some planned works

21 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Income

The SCA’s total income for the and Slalom. Membership is the 2019-2020 was £861,205, very next biggest contributor to income similar to the previous year. 54% of at 17% which is made up of the income is sportscotland individual membership investment into the SCA to achieve subscriptions, club affiliation fees agreed targets in terms of growing and Quality Mark Provider fees. the sport, increasing the size and Coaching Awards generate 12% of quality of the coaching workforce, SCA income. SCA Committee supporting clubs and running and activities generate 5% and the developing performance pathways in Grandtully Campsite 4% of income the two Olympic disciplines of Sprint respectively.

sportscotland Investment

59% of the sportscotland income is to employed roles in order to achieve run the SCA Performance Programme. specific agreed outcomes. The This is to operate and support the SCA remainder of the investment is to run squads for Olympic disciplines to help specific coaching projects and to aspiring athletes to reach the standard provide coaching scholarships to to join British programmes. develop and support our coaching The majority of the remaining workforce. sportscotland investment is to support 22 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Expenditure

47% of the annual SCA expenditure is to employ staff, much of which is supported by the sportscotland investment that the SCA receives. The SCA strives to carefully manage expenditure in order to provide cost effective services that members value. Increased use of online video conferencing rather than face-to-face meetings for committees and training sessions has reduced travel expenditure as well as being more environmentally friendly.

Performance Programme

The cost of running the Performance Programme is met through a combination of sportscotland investment and parental/athlete contributions. 51% of the cost of Performance activities is to employ staff and the remainder of the programme is made up of travel, accommodation and facility and water fees, including overseas trips for training camps and competitions.

23 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Income vs Expenditure

The SCA’s aim in a typical year is to break even or to make a small surplus. Largely through the curtailment of activities due to COVID and the consequent reduction in expenditure in March 2020, the SCA made a £21k surplus in the 2019-2020 financial year. This has added to the level of SCA reserves as the challenging 2020-2021 financial year commences.

Committee Income vs Expenditure

Committee income and expenditure varies according to whether events are run directly by the committee or by an Affiliated Club on behalf of a discipline committee. Committees aim to achieve a break-even situation except where exceptional items of expenditure have been agreed in advance.

24 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Access & Environment

Access remains of interest to paddlers and offering several days of enjoyment in one would hope to see a gradual decrease spectacular scenery. This attraction has of problems over the years as issues are the downside of also having over-used ”30 Access resolved, hopefully not to return. However, campsites and parking, which can cause this would also rely on both our own annoyance to local residents. We are Reports made members being very aware of the Scottish currently recruiting a new River Adviser Outdoor Access Code, and also visitors to for the Spey, thanking Nancy Chambers to SCA during Scotland being aware of the Code. Alas, for her service in the post. partly due to cuts in budgets by many 2019/20” authorities and organisations, ongoing The Etive Hydro schemes publicity of the Code remains low. Location for level/flow monitoring points Progress has been slow over the last year, on all four tributaries were recently agreed As is the average for the last few years, c. as the developer seeks to meet the with these due to be installed on site upon 30 access problems were worked on by multitude of environmental conditions resumption of normal building work the SCA’s Access and Environment associated with the Development consent. following the Covid 19 lockdown. Committee. Six of these related to the The significant progress during the last River Spey, and ten to vehicle parking year has been centred around agreement We will then need to engage with paddlers issues. Only one incident, as reported to of the Heads of Terms document outlining to begin logging a record of levels every us during this last year, involved sea the legal agreement between the SCA and time each of the tributaries are paddled, paddlers. the owner/operators of the hydro to help build a model for the mitigation schemes. This is currently with the legal flows. The River Spey stands out in Scotland as a representatives of both parties for a final river that is comparatively easy to , Agreement. and is an outstanding touring river,

25 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Equality Group

During 2020 the SCA Equality Group was diversity within Scottish paddlesports and The SCA Equality Group will continue to formed with the aim of improving equality, then identify ways to improve the monitor and assess all aspects of equality diversity and inclusion in paddlesport in accuracy and range of those data that will and inclusion relating to paddlesport in Scotland. In progressing towards this aim, allow us to measure the impact of our order to improve the inclusivity of the group will also be supporting the SCA actions. While it would be great for the paddlesport in Scotland. We aspire for in working toward the Advanced Equality Equality Group to be able to look at everyone to have the opportunity to Standard in Sport over the next few years. overcoming barriers either real or develop a passion for paddlesport. The Equality Group will deliver these perceived for all 9 of the protected outcomes by providing advice, seeking characteristics (as defined by the Equality out opportunities and, by working with the Act), the group decided to focus on four SCA Board, Staff, Committees, Affiliated characteristics in the first instance to Clubs and paddlesport providers, support ensure that meaningful progress could be events and activities that make made. paddlesport more inclusive. Diverse media platforms will be employed to publicise The first four characteristics we will focus these events and activities to the widest on are are Age (both young and old), possible audience to maximise impact. Disability, Sex and Sexual Orientation. The Equality Group will The Equality Group met via teleconference develop focus groups to target each and in person in the early part of 2020 to characteristic, namely: Gender, People develop a plan of action. The first step with a disability, age, sexual orientation was to review the data sources that and gender identity. inform on our current understanding of

26 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Discipline Committee Reports

27 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 As a Committee, we have been We have three teams competing in the by Chris Carracher, Chair reflecting on our progress and along National Leagues all in Division 2 North. First can I say that I hope you are all with the help of Roger Holmes from the Scotia, Titans and GKC are all sitting in safe and well at this very odd time we SCA staff team we have made a VMOST the top half with one tournament are living in. (Vision and Mission, Objectives, remaining with Titans well placed to win Strategy, and Tactics) plan. This process the league. We have also seen Granite It has been a year of ups and downs for has really helped us revaluate where we City venture south playing in regional the Canoe Polo Committee. There have are and what we want to achieve, but leagues with a view to join the National been many positives; we hosted more importantly helps us achieve these setup. demonstration games and taster goals. The VMOST is now available on sessions at the Pinkston Party; we our website and would welcome any Marathon arranged for a demonstration game that input and help from clubs and by Debi Ives, Chair was live on the Adventure Show on BBC individuals who feel they could. As part We are primarily a competitive discipline Scotland, we’ve negotiated access to of this plan we applied and were with races across Scotland on flat water Stirling University Pool for training and successful in a grant from the SCA Board and rivers throughout the season. Some competitions; we have a new outdoor to invest in equipment to host the of these are stand alone races, some venue for training and competitions at Scottish Open at Willowgate Activity part of a series. With most of the races Willowgate in Perth; and we’ve seen Centre. We also now have 100 floating being split by ability though a divisional more teams join Division 1. We have pontoon blocks to use which were system paddlers of all ages and levels of had some challenges of having to cancel donated by Cumbrae National Centre. experience can get involved and there is our annual charity competition due to always great camaraderie on the start poor water quality and COVID-19 line. Marathon and sprint are very protection measures meaning we have closely linked and the paddlers and their had to postpone the remaining of the families make up a friendly, welcoming league tournaments, the relaunch of the community. Scottish Open and our first youth tournament. We had good turnouts for most of our races this year with a wide range of

28 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 ages and experience. All 3 of the mini, Facebook page and come and join us at and accessible for those with more short and long course series were an event soon! limited experience, especially with the closely fought with the winners not development of more stable surfskis in being determined until the last race in recent years. But stable doesn't mean some cases. We had a successful Racing slow, and the thrill of hitting over Week in June with 2 races on the Tay 20km/h with a following sea on the open from the Willowgate Centre giving us ocean is terrifyingly addictive. some interesting conditions. Once again there was a great representation from As a very newly established committee Scotland at the National Championships towards the end of 2019 our main areas in Norwich where the 50+mph winds of excitement were far removed from didn't stop several people bringing home the adrenaline fuelled paddling we are medals in both K1 and K2. These races so accustomed to. along with the Scottish K1 and K2 championships, the Highland Series, Ocean Racing These involved the excitement of Hasler finals in Southampton and the by Lizelle Kemp, Chair allocating roles to those who have Glasgow- relay made up a Ocean racing is a growing discipline bravely volunteered to get the successful year for marathon paddling. within the UK paddling scene, and committee established. worldwide. With roots in surf lifesaving We would love to see more people- in the "southern hemisphere races” are The newly formed committee have been especially female paddlers - competing now happening throughout the world. working on developing safety equipment in our races throughout the year. You do Paddlers are attracted by the simplicity requirement guidelines for paddling in not have to be an experienced paddler of the craft and gear, the ease of Scotland. A guide to suitable clothing or from a competitive background, it remounting sit-on-top boats, the fitness for paddling in our climate will also be would be great to see you at any of our gains from regular paddling and the made available shortly. races. Check out your local club and our ability to surf both beach breaking and Scottish Kayak Marathon Racing ocean swell. Though the sport attracts Lizelle Kemp led two blocks of core top elite paddlers, it remains friendly strength training circuit classes once a

29 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 week over the winter. The inevitable On the North East coast, Nairn to be Scotland. It is really encouraging to see groans and grunts were soon masked by specific, there is a surfski training group so many new people taking up slalom as attendees getting together to provide that meet regularly and train all year well as the continued engagement by music and on occasion fancy dress! round. They are seeing more and more many with a long time involvement with recreational paddlers switching to skis as this discipline. Several training camps Although existing races in Scotland a great way to get out, keep fit, with took place at Grandtully during the weren’t run under the OCR committee lightweight boats. summer whilst other athletes went it’s very exciting to see the impressive abroad to develop their skills on increase in surfski paddlers particularly On the West Coast the Royal West in European white water. on the South East Coast with 50% of Greenock hosts the ‘Tail o’ the Bank’ sea these being female. This isn’t only a race as an annual event. The course Another successful 'Slalom Inspires' huge leap forward for surfski but also for had to be altered in 2019 due to event, led by Eilidh Gibson, was held at paddlesport in general. The Surfski particularly challenging sea conditions Grandtully in August 2019, which Scotland Winter Series often saw an but was still a successful event enjoyed everyone enjoyed. "A truly inspiring equal ratio of male and female by all. event for all the girls which included participation at events. team building, workshops, , an Other exciting developments are the open canoe river trip and canyoning. birth of two time trial (TT) courses on Great to see so many young girls in this the east coast. The first is in North sport enjoying themselves and to see Berwick and is around 3km which loops girls from Div 1 and Prem volunteering the island of Craighleith. Details here. their time to support Eilidh with this The second TT is a 4km course at event was great”. Portobello. Details can be found at this link . The committee would like to thank everyone who helped throughout the Slalom year to make the 2019-2020 season The committee oversaw the running of another successful one for all involved. the usual, well attended slalom events in 30 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Best wishes to all for the next season as During the 2019 season, it was In conjunction with the Performance we start to return to Slalom and other encouraging to see higher numbers of Programme and Marathon Committee disciplines after the COVID-19 situation. paddlers competing in the U14 class and we will continue to work with clubs to watch the significant progression they assist the development of a coaching made over the season. In 2018 an Open structure particularly for the U12 K1 class was introduced and in development of U12 and U14 paddlers. 2019 this class has increased in The Sprint Committee will continue to popularity with some of the young work with the Marathon Committee to paddlers progressing into full sized support the organisation and delivery of boats. courses for the new Racing Coach Award. Scottish regattas continue to be well attended and many races closely contested. Many paddlers attended the Sprint National regattas in Nottingham with By Margaret Chapman, Chair Sprint Committee support the running of both young and old winning British competitions at both club and national Championship medals. level to help provide a range of opportunities and challenges for new Scottish paddlers have been selected for and established competitors enabling British Representative teams in all age groups (Senior, U23, Junior and U17/ them to achieve personal goals and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) have a positive experience. The U16/U15). Particularly promising for the by Sam Dean, Chair committee values coach and paddler future was that the British Junior Ladies It is an exciting time for SUP in education and development helping to K4 for the European and World Scotland. The SUP Discipline Support facilitate opportunities for these on an Championships had 2 Scots in the crew Module has been in place for some time ongoing basis. and Scottish athletes made up almost a but the addition of the new Coach third of the Olympic Hopes team.

31 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Award has given a huge push within the disciplines (racing, white water, open a day at the beach with sand and ice- SCA and BC. water, touring, yoga, casual/social etc.). creams.

This has been magnified by the As a small, newly formed committee we lockdown - as people have seen plenty have recruited 2 new members to help of SUP advertising and action shots us develop and increase participation which has raised the profile of this through the various events and discipline. After lockdown, due to people competitions. Planning ahead, we are in buying more SUPs, there has been an the early planning stages for events in explosion of interest around “SUPping" 2021 which should hopefully include: across Scotland. • SUP Polo events • SUP Racing (marathon or sprint events Soon we will have a full set of SUP including a race at Loch Inch (with Here is a summary of our achievements: awards including Personal Performance Moray SUP Club) • Sandend 2019 - all competitors Awards (PPA), Coach Awards and • SUP Surf events paddled against each other with a Leadership Awards. This will help handicap system to allow novice paddlers to still be competitive. It was increase awareness of SUP as the Surf committee plans future events in various By Ian Sherrington, Chair wonderful to see novice and is a dynamic sport in an experience, old and young and male ever-changing environment. It can be a and female all paddling in the same spiritual or social day if we choose to go heats and all having to work hard to out on a smaller day or an adrenaline progress. pumping speed fest on a big day. The • Scottish Women’s Paddlesport best bit is that we get to choose the Symposium May 2019 saw the nature of our day and we also get to do successful return of a strong group of it at some of the most stunning parts of female leaders delivering surf sessions the Scottish coastline. You can mix that • ISA Judging Courses: A group bit up too. Visit a remote corner or have attended an ISA (board surfing)

32 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Judging Course, The course developed • The Scottish Championships We have also been talking to other personal understanding of scoring and October 2019: This year was the Home Nation associations with a view to helped ensure our ability to run first year where the same classes were making the hosting and attending of competitions in the future. available to both male and female International Competition easier and • Scottish representation at the Surf competitors. Our Scottish Champions more attractive. We are still hopeful that Kayak World Championships are as follows: we will send a Squad to the Home Huanchaco Peru 19th-26th July - Meg Spittal, Women’s Open Short and Internationals Team Competition and 2019: paddlers Mac McConnochie, Women’s Masters Long & Short British Championships in England. This is John Ross and John Inglis - Sophie Muller, Women’s Open Long due to happen in late autumn but may determinedly took part in individual - Ian Sherrington, Men’s Open Long & be postponed until early spring 2021. and team events, by all accounts Short and Grand Masters Short We have a number of newly trained paddling in some big heavy waves. . - John Ross, Men’s Masters Long event organisers and judges such that The Scottish results were John Inglis - Gavin Miller, Men’s Masters Short as the current pandemic allows, we plan 3rd in Grandmasters Long, 7th in - David Russell, Open Waveski to have a bumper year of domestic Short; John Ross 5th in Master Long, • In February 2020, we had a weekend activity. Staying at home on Scotland 9th in Short. The Team result was 7th where the Committee came together coastline has never looked more place. to develop skills and support the key attractive. roles needed to facilitate the running of a successful surfing year. Wild Water Racing by Paul Anderson, Chair Since the cessation of competition due The Wild Water Racing Committee to COVID-19 the Committee have had (WWC) are delighted to report another regular online meetings. Surf has taken successful year in terms of continuing to the view that we will use this time of re-establish and embed the sport for the lockdown to review and update some of longer term within Scotland. The our processes such that when we can committee has maintained its three return to competition, we will be better region approach (North, East, West) organised and more competent. with a lead point of contact/coach for

33 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 these areas. Paul Anderson has taken Further international success was seen SCA WWC made the appointment of a the Chair position from Fraser Gormal this year with Laura Milne, Victoria short term SCA representative (Carl who now takes the position as Vice- Murray, Ellie Seed and Jacob Holmes all Foody) who has been excellent in Chair. selected for International Competition. representing the SCA and our position. This has secured Scottish athletes as Looking forwards I will now take up the The National Scottish Series enjoyed its being a significant part of the GB team position as SCA representative upon the 2nd consecutive season. With the recent for the past 5 years and finalising the 4 BC WWC, albeit Carl retains close links Covid situation the committee have year plan with all goals and objectives with us maintaining our ranking system taken the decision to cut short the 3rd met which as a committee we are and as an active coach. The Committee season using the 4 races completed at delighted. have agreed in principle to include the the start of 2020 so there will be a As Chair I will look now towards the Scottish Championships 2021 at Championship for this year (albeit short next 4 years in terms of ambitions and Knockando (organiser Calum Urquhart) and sweet). The races contained within objectives, with a focus on fun into the Calendar as a the Scottish Series are SCA events only competition, youth and development of national race. and have not counted to the wider UK elite participation. series and will continue to be a stand- Reflecting back 6 years coming from alone series for local athletes. In terms of UK wide development, I almost no active WWR to the current attended a British Canoeing workshop/ position the committee are delighted event at Nottingham in late 2019 with a with the results and now are looking to view to addressing a number of issues negotiate the Covid conditions of the with the BC WWC. The event was a current situation looking ahead to constructive investment with positive further local, national and international foundations put in place for a more success. joined up way of working and clear understanding in relation to Home Nations and delineation in terms of responsibilities. In early 2020, following the BC signing of the revised TOR, the

34 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 35 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 #WeAreTheSCA

SCA is a membership organisation that Board of Directors Staff Team wouldn’t exist without a wide range of David Simpson President Stuart Smith Chief Executive volunteers; whether that’s volunteers on Brian Chapman Chair Jon Schofield Head of Performance & Pathways the Board, on one the committees, or in Kelso Riddell Finance Director Andy Murray Head of Coaching & clubs/organisations. Steve Roebuck General Secretary Development

Elizabeth Cain Recreation Director Claire Fergusson Operations Manager

Members, Volunteers, Committees, Board Colin Tannock* Competition Mikaela West Events & Communications Officer & Staff; Together, #WeAreTheSCA. Director Susie Benson* Director Habibul Liton* Marketing & Engagement Officer Claire Chapman Director (Maternity Cover)

Dean Hollis Director Roger Holmes Development Manager

Steve Linksted Director Margaret Winter Administrator

Alex Mitchell* Director Doug MacDonald Coach & Pathway Developer Lara Cooper AQ & IV Officer

Sam Miles* Performance Coach - Slalom Stuart Gerrie Performance Coach - Slalom Antón Vázquez Performance Coach - Camiño Sprint Tomás de Souza Performance Coach - Duarte* Sprint Rachel Schofield* Performance Coach - Sprint

36 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 *Joined or left during the year With thanks to the 62 Volunteers on SCA Board & Core Committees

Committee Members as on 31/03/2020

Coaching & Development Committee Access & Environment Policy Committee Recreation Committee Canoe Polo Committee

Andy Murray CAG Representative Eddie Palmer Liz Cain Anil Rach

Andy Pearson RO Borders Gavin Millar Liam Watson Bob Cain

Brian Baillie RO Tayside Grant Dollier Chris Carracher Slalom Committee Chris Wilson RO Highlands & Islands Jonathan Kitching Gavin MacLean Fraser Glasgow Doug Cooper CSG Representative Rachel Hannan Graham Swanson Gary Gibson Elizabeth Cain RO Central Robin Cole James McNeish Madelaine Jennings Lyle Smith RO Grampian & Shetland Maxime Biret and Committee Chair Marathon Committee Tony Leaver Poppy Croal RO Lothians Brian Chapman Paul Walker Mckenzie William Fotheringham Debi Ives Ross Barron Steve Frampton RO West William Gerrie Surf Committee Donald Gardner Tom Westwater RO Fife Colin Coupar Margaret Chapman Wild Water Racing David Russell Rachel Syme SUP Committee Committee Dawn Horsburgh Adam Burns Sprint Committee Calum Urquhart Ian Sherrington Liam Watson Irene Stevely Cynthia Berry John Inglis Samuel Dean Jim Stevely Ian Hosie John Ross Margaret Chapman Fraser Gormal Mac McConnochie Patrick Armstrong Jacob Holmes Sophie Tankere- Together Rachel Syme Paul Anderson Muller Rachel Houston Tracy Sherrington 37#WeAreTheSCA SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 SCA Recognition Awards Winners 2019

Volunteer Coach of the Year: Chris Curry (Pinkston Panthers) Perhaps Chris's single biggest achievement which the club are most proud of is his support of a student from Hungary who went from beginner to Division 1 to competing in a World Cup Race at Lee Valley - all in 3 years!

Not just a coach for Pinkston Panthers, Chris really goes above and beyond, offering help to paddlers from other clubs at training sessions, and competitions no matter how busy he is, and lends a supportive shoulder no matter the outcome of a race.

Professional Coach of the Year: Fraser Porter (Pinkston Watersports) Fraser has been instrumental in the delivery of the Pinkston Community Project; a grassroots project to develop progression options for young people in hard to reach areas of Glasgow and build a clear pathway for them to progress in the sport.

He has built what was an exploratory pilot paddlesport homework club into a core part of what is delivered at Pinkston and he is building a team of Paddlesports Activity Assistants to support this work. This is providing valuable opportunities to build skills and confidence, and to allow positions of responsibility for young people who38 have often found challenges in other areas of their lives. SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 SCA Recognition Awards Winners 2019

Youth Coach of the Year: Kirsten Petrie (Inverness CC) Kirsten always goes beyond the call of duty when working with her club's young people. She is known to be a sympathetic ear for club youngsters and can bring a lot of common sense to potentially difficult situations. Kirsten has taken charge of developing young paddlers within Inverness Canoe Canoe and in the last year she has run sessions in the pool through the winter to introduce youngsters to paddling

Young Volunteer of the Year: Michael Denvir Kind and thoughtful are the first couple of words used to describe Michael the way he goes about his coaching of younger paddlers. In slalom peer coaching, he is always wanting to help his peers and younger paddlers get better. He sacrifices his own practice time to help less experienced paddlers grow in confidence. Michael stepped up his game this year and completed his Paddlesport Instructor and coached for 5 of 6 weeks of our summer classes - the kids had a great time and some have signed up for courses to continue on.

39 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 SCA Recognition Awards Winners 2019

Willing Hands Quaich: Robert Wands (Clyde Scouts) Robert started the Clyde Scouts Paddlesports Club at Pinkston since when it first opened. With limited funds he found kit to start up the group and get young people on the water. There are now more than 30 different young people every Tuesday night enjoy paddlesports. He has also mentored and enabled adult volunteers to improve and develop their own paddling to help provide sessions with the club and beyond.

Impact on Equality & Diversity: Roger Holmes Over the last year, Roger has really enhanced the SCA’s work in disability, by working in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport, the MS society and several clubs. He has been a driving force in this partnership working by sharing his experience and nurturing others to give them confidence to support paddlers with disabilities.

40 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 SCA Recognition Awards Winners 2019

Andy Jackson Award for Contribution to Access & Environment: Gavin Millar Gavin has been a leading figure in access and the SCA’s work on hydro schemes in recent time and most importantly in the negotiations on behalf of SCA in relation to the Glen Etive hydro schemes. He fielded information requests and consultation with membership, presented at SCA events, wrote articles for Scottish Paddler and held meetings with SEPA, and other organisations which led to the negotiations with the developer who have agreed to allowing paddlers to ‘turn off’ the hydro to enable paddling.

Club of the Year: FORTH CANOE Club FCC is the oldest and the biggest paddlesport club in Scotland and offers paddlesport across many disciplines both competition and recreation. Their extremely successful summer programme provides opportunities for many youngsters new to the sport, and they have a strong focus on developing coaches and leaders.

It was described in one of the nominations as “a quirky family of individuals where everyone is welcome.” The local councillor said “I see what a great job the club does in introducing canoeing and kayaking to young people, treating high achievement and participation in equal measure; and also in caring for and animating41 our treasured 200 year old canal. SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Who We Work With

42 SCA Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 Scottish Canoe Association is a Company Limited By Guarantee registered in Scotland. Company number SC207488. 43 Grandtully Campsite,-Lageonan Road,-Grandtully,-Pitlochry,-PH9SCA 0PL Annual Report: April 2019 - March 2020 www.canoescotland.org_|_0131_317_7314