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Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Moray SUP Club is all about promoting the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, identity, religion or other beliefs. This commitment is enshrined in the club’s constitution.
We actively engage in efforts to promote diversity in Stand-Up Paddleboarding, by creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in our own club, as well as participating in wider efforts to promote participation in paddlesports.
Our members participate in the Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) LGBTQ+ Equality Group. Check out the SCA’s #IBelongOnTheWater for more information. We also actively promote women’s participation in paddleboarding, through the British Canoe Association (BCA) #ShePaddles campaign, and we’re especially proud of the fact that in 2021 our membership was 72% women.
We are always looking for new opportunities to expand our reach and offer opportunities to everyone to share our passion for Stand-Up Paddling!
Below are just a few stories that our members wanted to share:
Jacqui’s Story
I have been a member of Moray Sup club from the outset, we now have over 100 members with a predominantly female 70/30% split membership. I have always found the club to be welcoming and inclusive of everyone, there is an amazing group of women who are supportive and encouraging of each other regardless of abilities, age, and background.
I have become more confident and outgoing because of the support and friendship I have experienced through the club whilst enjoying a sport I love. I would 100% recommend joining Moray SUP and I am sure every member would agree with me.
Julie’s Story
Whenever I join in with a new group of people at any activity I get anxious. Many of us do. There are so many things to worry about...
Will they be nice and welcoming? Will we get on? Will I be good enough? Will it be fun? Will it be awkward when I talk about my girlfriend or should I use partner and leave a lurking question in the mind of those who notice?!
When I went along to my first session at Moray SUP Club these worries vanished in no time at all. I haven't felt so at ease with a group of strangers before in such a short time. I meet new people at every session and no matter who you are, how you identify or who you choose to love it doesn't make a difference.
If you love paddleboarding or even just want to give it a go there's a space in this group for everyone. It's a cliche but it's a true one and feeling a bit different to what may be considered the "norm" shouldn't be a barrier to you joining in.
Moray SUP club really is an inclusive group!
Tom’s Story
I’ve been a member of Moray SUP Club for just over two years now. Although I love the outdoors, I’m not really a sports fanatic. Nevertheless Stand-Up Paddleboarding caught my imagination, and I decided to give it a try.
I was new to Moray, and looking for opportunities to socialize. I was nervous how club members react to having someone from the LGBTQ+ community in the group, but I needn’t have concerned myself.
From day one, I have felt accepted for who I am. We’re all linked by our joy of being out on the water. I am now working towards my Sheltered Water Coaching Qualification, and I love to see new folk having a go at SUP, and discovering their own love for the sport.
To anyone concerned that they won’t fit in, I’d simply say that Moray SUP Club is the most supportive group I’ve ever joined, and I’m proud to be a part of it!
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