This week’s discussion point from me is about paddling and menstruation. Time of the month / period / got the decorators in / on the blob / monthlies / cycle / ovulation… whatever our word or phrase for it is – it’s there and it’s not going anywhere! To the annoyance or sometimes even the relief of women and girls everywhere, it has genuine effects on individuals and their paddling – whether they like, accept or realise it or not. From headaches and nausea, cramps to muscle aches, acne to bloating, or mood swings to anxiety or depression (and so much more!), menstruation can result in often hidden effects, impact ability to paddle, and present challenges to female paddlers – and that’s before even considering the variety of ‘period products’ on the market, provision (or lack of) changing facilities, and the difficulties and impact of product disposal.

So…

Has menstruation ever prevented or reduced the opportunity for you to participate in paddlesport?

Have you ever felt dismissed, not included or discriminated against due to menstruation?

Does menstruation affect your paddling in any way? If so, how and what steps or measures do you take to alleviate the effects?

If you’re a coach or instructor, have you found ways to help women and girls let you know if they are low energy or feeling the effects of their cycle, and do you take this in to account when planning sessions?

Could the industry do more to assist with the challenges of menstruation?

If you’ve overcome the challenges of paddling and menstruation, what suggestions do you have that may assist others?