For the second year running, Mersea Boating Lake was the vibrant setting for the 2024 #ShePaddles Weekender—a weekend for women to enjoy paddlesports, yoga, and art.
With support from Paddle UK, over 100 women joined in the fun. From freestyle paddleboarding, yoga on the beach to taking on the mega SUP, it was a weekend full of laughter and an opportunity to build confidence on the water.
Our #ShePaddles Ambassadors share all about the fun-filled weekend.
Words by #ShePaddles Ambassador Nicola Baird. Photos by Rebecca Edwards
Led by Lake Manager and former #ShePaddles Ambassador, Rebecca Edwards, the weekend was a blend of physical activity and relaxation, offering women a break from the pressures of everyday life.
Friday evening kicked off with paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake, followed by a cosy solstice meal and a bonfire, encouraging everyone to connect and unwind. The Aquapark provided plenty of laughter, setting the tone for a weekend filled with new experiences and camaraderie.
On Saturday, over 100 women from various groups, including ThisGirlVans and Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, gathered to try new activities. From HIIT fitness sessions and yoga on the beach to freestyle paddleboarding and painting workshops, there was something for everyone. The mega SUP tested the group’s coordination, while the painting session, allowed participants to tap into their creativity.
For many, the weekend helped increase their confidence on the water.
Carol, 66, from Herne Bay, said:
“The atmosphere and support were incredible, and I finally stood up on a paddleboard. It shows you’re never too old to learn!”
Sunday’s finale was a women-only mini triathlon, where paddleboarders led the 1km water leg before participants ran or walked 5km through countryside and along the beach, finishing with a refreshing swim in the lake.
Every finisher received a medal, but the real reward came in personal achievements — Whether mastering a painting technique, conquering yoga poses, or simply standing up on a paddleboard for the first time, everyone left with a story of growth.
Laura, 56, from Leicester, shared her reflections.
“I always said no to getting on any water for 20 years. It’s the women at my club who kept me going despite my fear of water. I cried for six months learning, but with encouragement this weekend, I finally stood up on a paddleboard!”
The #ShePaddles Weekender was not just about adventure, but about creating a space for women to challenge themselves, connect, and return home with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Lisa Walker, #ShePaddles Ambassador and volunteer, shared her thoughts on the weekend.
“It was a fantastic chance for women to step away from everyday life, challenge themselves, and find a place where they could feel completely at ease. It felt like a Guide camp for grown-ups, where everyone could just be themselves.”
Lake Manager, Rebecca Edwards, reflected on the event:
“I am so grateful to every woman who joined us. These weekends are extra special because they bring women together from all walks of life, making it fun, inclusive, and educational. Helping people fall in love with paddleboarding and seeing them leave with a newfound confidence is the best feeling.”