The first Women's Sea Kayaking Festival was held in Scotland by Alice McInnes, Roddy Mcdowell and Laura Bennitt on the Isle of Bute, in 2012, and Natalie, having just circumnavigated Britain, came to coach.

 

In 2014 Julie, Esther Wheeler and Natalie attended the same event. When the organisers announced that they were taking a break from organisation, we thought it would be shame for this event not to continue as it was a great affair with lots of good vibes and paddling. We were so inspired that it took only a brief discussion to make the decision to organise something similar in the south of England.  

 

A year later, in 2015 we held the first WSKF in South Devon. After Esther emigrated to Australia admin guru Wendy  joined the team. Two further successful festivals in 2017 and 2019 followed. 

 

The years 2020 and 2021 weren’t easy for anyone however, we took a plunge and ran 2021 WSKF for as many paddlers as possible. We were one of the very few events that time giving paddlers a chance to meet and paddle again. 

 

Our main motivation for organising our event is to support women coaches and to get together as many women paddlers as possible to have fun and share skills, knowledge and get inspired. We thrive on the energy and enthusiasm that the Festival paddlers and coaches bring. 

Our aim has been to bring something new to the Festival each time, either workshops, the program itself, or new location. 

We pride ourselves in bringing skilled and qualified coaches from all over Britain and Europe all with different experiences and knowledge to share.

 

For the 2023 Festival we decided to try out a new location and moved futher west to Plymouth Sound and the area of Rame Head. The location challenged us, it nevertheless provided a great new area for the 5th WSKF.

However, at the end of the event Julie and Natalie announced they were finishing their Festival organisation with this celebratory 5th event.

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Yet, when a year went by, here we are with 6th  WSKF 2025 back to Salcombe. Fingers crossed.