The SCA has been keeping its advice from 12th April under regular review and because the Scottish Government’s rules have not yet changed, this SCA advice is still in place i.e. to refrain from going paddling at the present time. Indications are that there has been widespread adoption of this advice and we are really grateful to paddlers for doing everything within their control to support the efforts of the many who are dealing with the COVID-19 situation.

The SCA continues to work hard on behalf of paddlers, clubs, centres and providers to explain to key stakeholders how our sport can return, in a phased way, whilst observing all the Scottish Government rules. Paddlesport is a safe and enjoyable form of regular exercise for thousands of people of all ages across Scotland. We are working in three main ways to promote the restart of paddlesport in Scotland:

• devising the SCA’s plan for a phased return to paddling in Scotland in line with the anticipated gradual lifting of Scottish Government restrictions on e.g. travel and social distancing
• working with the Scottish governing bodies of other outdoor sports, along with sportscotland, to formulate a joint plan for the phased return of outdoor sports and activities
• coordinating our work with British Canoeing, Canoe Wales and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland on a paddlesport-specific plan taking account of the wide and varied nature of our activities, environments and types and sizes of organisations and being mindful of the fact that devolved administrations are now following different paths

When we return to paddling:

Paddling is a safe and healthy sport and activity. Our first step to getting back to paddling will consist of very local paddling, by individuals and groups from the same household who have their own equipment that they can use. This is because restrictions on travel and social distancing are likely to be in place for some time. 

We will have not been on the water for a considerable time so when we resume we will be advocating starting off doing things that you are really familiar with and very capable of taking on. We want you to have an enjoyable and safe experience when you start paddling. BE RESPONSIBLE AND PADDLE WELL WITHIN YOUR LIMITS.

We realise that until restrictions on travelling are reduced or removed by the Scottish Government, not everyone will be able to paddle. Whilst there are some who are fortunate enough to live close to water, many of us will need to be patient until travel, in order to exercise, is permitted by the Scottish Government.

We will all need to continue to follow the Scottish Government guidance on social distancing - however and wherever we paddle. Some people are fortunate to have their own paddling gear but many of us rely on using club and communal equipment to go paddling. We already follow the Check Clean Dry advice to prevent the spread of non-native invasive species as part of our work to protect the environment. We are now going to go further in order to protect ourselves and others from contact with the virus. The Scottish Government is in the process of publishing guidelines for organisations about how they can safely operate, whilst maintaining social distancing and keeping people safe. Once this guidance is available we will work to support paddlers, coaches and clubs to apply these principles to our many different paddling environments so we will be able to resume activities in a safe and sustainable way.

It is likely that the travel and group gathering restrictions will be lifted gradually and that initially they will continue to restrict the ability to organise competitions and other events which attract large numbers of paddlers from across the country. We will continue to monitor updates to the Scottish Government guidance and will work with our competition committees to identify when these allow for a resumption of such events. It is not anticipated that such changes will happen quickly.

Because of the wide and varied nature of our activities, environments and types and sizes of organisations and the fact that some paddlesport activities rely on the use of communal facilities and shared equipment, there will be several phases within our return to paddlesport.

We will provide advice and guidance to providers, centres and clubs to allow them to resume activities whilst observing Scottish Government advice. There are so many individuals who are currently unable to deliver paddlesport activities in a variety of settings. And many people who have dedicated their careers to introducing and developing others within our sport are facing the financial consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown. Our aim is that as much paddlesport, including courses, assessments and other events, can resume as soon as is practicably possible - whilst not taking any risks with the health and welfare of those involved or placing a burden on public services.

We are taking every possible step to encourage the inclusion of paddlesport in Scottish Government plans as restrictions start to be lifted.

We would like to thank you for your patience, for respecting the guidance we have issued and for your continued engagement with the SCA at this challenging time.

We all want to get out paddling as soon as possible but in the meantime, please do stay connected via the regular webinars, talks, quizzes and forums. As always, please get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions.