S3E6: Scott Warren - Building a Paddling Community

Scotty Warren is a prominent figure in the stand up paddling community. Scotty shares his journey from a self-proclaimed wannabe surfer while at university, to a multifaceted professional involved in coaching, race directing, and community building within the sport.

The conversation explores the evolution of Scotty's paddling career, the challenges faced in coaching and race directing, and the inspiring stories of paddlers he’s helped at various skill levels. Scotty emphasises the importance of safety, community, and personal growth in the paddling world, while also reflecting on the mindset shifts he experienced when transitioning from competitor to coach.

In this conversation, Scotty discusses the evolution of the GBSUP National Series and the challenges and successes of organising series races, national championships and sprint events, and the transformation of paddling culture over the years. He emphasises the importance of mindset in decision-making and reflects on the future of stand up paddleboarding, highlighting its accessibility and potential for growth.

This conversation explores the accessibility and inclusivity of paddleboarding, highlighting adaptive paddling initiatives and the cultural aspects surrounding the sport. We also chat about the importance of safety on the water and he shares insights from his perspective as a lifeboat volunteer. Finally, Scotty shares some practical advice for progressive paddlers.

Links:

IG: @supscotty

Haywood Sports: https://www.haywoodsports.com/

GBSUP: https://www.gbsup.co.uk/