It’s long been known that women and girls often participate in sport for different reasons than males, and that on average women take part in sport and recreational activities less often than men. This is what Auckland’s Takapuna Boating Club are aiming to counter with their Paddle and Pinot sessions.
Paddle and Pinot is a women’s group paddling session on Wednesday evenings in summer which is as it sounds – it starts off with a paddle together from Takapuna Beach followed by a casual drink usually in the club bar (it doesn’t have to be pinot!). Beginner level boats, paddles and lifejackets are available for those that need it or paddlers can bring their own.
It aims to be an inclusive and supportive session to attract more women to the sport and to the club, fulfilling some of the other motivations that may not be met by other paddling groups or sessions on offer at the club.
Research shows that women and girls tend to take part in sport to be active, socialise and have fun with friends and they often enjoy a less competitive environment than the opposite sex.
“Our current group paddles can be really intimating for new people and particularly women to show up to.” says Danika Mowlem, TBC club member and Paddle & Pinot ‘coordinator’.
“Consisting mainly of men with lots of paddling experience and skills, it takes a lot of courage to show up and join in. And if you do, you often just get left behind as they race off. This was definitely my experience when I first got involved at the club. They are all great guys and they don’t mean it to be that way, but it’s not that easy for women to get involved. This is shown in the fact that we only really have 2 or 3 regular female paddlers at the club here.”
The hope is that by providing a safe and supportive environment targeted for them, more women can build up their confidence, skills and enjoyment of paddling so they will be more willing and able to join in on other club sessions and paddle more regularly.
This isn’t intended to be a learn to paddle course (the club offers these separately, delivering Canoe Racing NZ’s Try Learn Explore paddling programme) and paddlers are expected to have a small level of ability to paddle around and stay mostly upright. But Danika tries to be there each week to support newer or less confident paddlers, providing a level of safety and security for attendees.
“We know people don’t enjoy themselves if they are scared or feel unsafe or uncomfortable.” Continues Danika. “So having someone keeping an eye on them and helping them if they want or need it has seemed to attract women that wouldn’t otherwise get on the water. Also, if I commit to being here each Wednesday, it means that even if only one woman shows up, she still has someone to go with. It just provides some guarantees that it will be on every week, weather permitting.”
Danika is happy to also provide a higher level of coaching or advice if people want it. “I have the selfish goal of trying to find more female friends to paddle with.”
Lindsey Carroll has become a regular on Wednesday afternoons.
“Paddle and Pinot has allowed me to meet more like-minded women in a relaxed, safe sporting environment. I love that it’s a regular meet-up so it gets me out each week, and I enjoy the social aspect of meeting new friends, chatting on the water and over a drink of choice afterwards. I’ve even joined the club so I can paddle more this summer!”
Paddle and Pinot began last summer and by the end of the season had built up a bit of momentum. It restarted again in October and has picked up where it left of, with a relatively small but steady number of women each week. More are promising to show up once it warms up a bit more.
It’s very casual – there is no commitment required or pressure to show up each week. It’s there if it suits and when people are ready. This meets the needs of women who need flexibility in sports to fit around their other commitments and responsibilities.
“I think the biggest group we had last year was around 15 women, on a particularly nice summer day.” shares Danika.
“We are also very open for people just coming for the pinot bit if the paddling part is not for them that day.
“A highlight from last year was definitely when we saw orca whales just off the beach. That doesn’t happen all that often in Auckland so it was amazing to be able to share one of the things that makes paddling on the sea so special. We definitely had a big growth in attendance in the weeks after that.”
“Already this season, we have seen a turtle which is pretty rare in Auckland so that was exciting.”
With such amazing female athletes inspiring and showcasing their prowess in New Zealand, kayaking is one of the few sports that has a pretty equal gender split at a youth age groups. But there is a vast gender disparity in the senior categories across all paddling disciplines. This programme is one tool to get more women picking up a paddle enjoying the sport, one pinot or paddle at a time.
If you want advice or support on getting a Paddle and Pinot session started at your club, feel free to reach out to Danika – danika@crnz.org , 021 202 6154
If you are in Auckland and keen to know more or join in on the Takapuna Boating Club sessions, reach out to Danika or Takapuna Boating Club membership coordinator Leanne – Members@takapunaboating.org.nz
