Paddling with pride

"I grew up in a small town, within a family of farmers and fishermen. Some of my earliest memories are of running freely through the fields of crops and swimming along the coastline where my parents and grandparents worked and fished. Growing up so close to the land and the sea taught me early on the importance of caring for the environment if we wished to continue benefiting from its resources.  As a child, I would spend hours observing insects, listening to the songs of birds, and wandering through the forests, accompanied only by the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves. I was constantly expanding my knowledge, often glued to nature documentaries and books about wildlife.  

My passion for animals was boundless - at one point, I shared my bedroom with more than thirty living creatures: birds, hamsters, tortoises, and even a rescued squirrel. Each one filled me with a sense of wonder and responsibility. This deep interest in the natural world never faded, even during my teenage years. It was this enduring curiosity and love for nature that led me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. Looking back now, I feel a strong sense of pride in that decision - it was one of those rare choices in life that felt absolutely right, and I have never once regretted it.

Today, one of the places that brings me the most joy is the Cairngorms - a vast, beautiful area that still holds many secrets for me. There is so much left to discover: countless hills to climb, trails to walk, and experiences to be had. No matter the season, the Cairngorms offer endless opportunities for adventure and connection with nature. One of my greatest joys is exploring the lochs, especially with the amazing group at Cairngorms Pride Paddlers. With them, I get to combine my love for outdoor activities, the warmth of great company, breathtaking scenery, and that unique sense of peace that only nature can provide." - Ivan 

Paddle out for Pride David Lintern

"When I am in nature, I feel at peace, serene. I feel like I am part of something bigger than me. What better way to spend time than out on the water with the trees emerging into leaf and the birds chattering around you. 
 
I’m grateful to have this opportunity to connect to nature through Pride Paddlers, without which I may have never seen this beautiful spot." - Lara  

“I have been very lucky in my life to have grown up with a deep connection to nature, climbing (and falling out of) trees, catching grasshoppers and going on birdwatching adventures all over the UK with my family. The best times of my life have been when I am knee deep in nature, and nature has helped me through some of my hardest times. Being reminded that the world is so much bigger than my horizons keep me in perspective and gives me a deep sense of peace. When I moved up to the Highlands, I found myself feeling more at home here than I have anywhere else I have lived, and having found my people in the pride paddlers has allowed me to (literally) dive into nature in a way I never have before.” - Josie 

“A couple years back now I was on a kayak trip through Finland paddling all day enjoying the rhythm of it in my heart and soul. I loved the peacefulness, listening to the repetitive dip of the paddle, looking at the seals, listening to the waves the water, and feeling the current pulling me. Being outside in this way gives you a lot of time to think. It was on this trip in that I realized I was trans, so since then paddling has been quite special to me. It gives me moments to think, for quiet in my head, but still do something to let any invasive thoughts drift away. This is what paddling in nature does for me. Moving to the Highlands recently, it’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to do that with other queer people through the Pride Paddlers. It has made the move feel easy and supportive, just knowing that those moments on the water don’t have to be about solitude but can also be filled with queer joy. It is just natural, like me.” - Cairngorms Pride Paddler  

Cairngorms Pride Paddlers David Lintern

“A love of wild natural spaces inspired my partner and me to move from Edinburgh to the Cairngorms last year. Living rurally, however, makes it harder to find queer community—especially when you're sober and don’t feel at home in alcohol-focused spaces. Joining Pride Paddlers has changed that. It’s given us a way to connect with other LGBT+ people, spend time in nature, and develop new skills – all in a welcoming, alcohol-free environment. I feel empowered as my paddleboarding improves, uplifted by the laughter and conversations echoing across the loch, and genuinely thrilled each time I successfully identify a bird.” - Kat  

The Pride Paddlers organise monthly paddles, and always welcome new members. Follow them on Instagram at @CairngormsPridePaddlers to find out more.