Nominations are now open for the 2025 Recognition Awards!

Young Paddler of the Year

This award recognises a passionate young person (under 19 on 31 December 2025 and a Paddle Scotland member) who commits time and effort to their paddling community. They might be an active volunteer or perhaps have made a successful step on their coaching or leadership journey. Nominees must be Paddle Scotland individual members.

Volunteer of the Year

We have so many fantastic volunteers within our community, dedicating countless unpaid hours to their clubs, event organisation or discipline development groups. As a volunteer-led organisation, Paddle Scotland wouldn't exist without the support of these inspiring individuals!

Impact on Equality & Diversity

This award is for an individual or a group who has made a difference to make paddlesport more accessible to all, increasing opportunities for under-represented groups to participate.

Andy Jackson Award for Contributions to Access & Environment

This award is open to those who have achieved great things working to improve access and/or conserve the paddling environment.

Athlete of the Year

A new award this year, this celebrates a Performance Athlete who has taken great strides in their development and/or achieved great things over the year. Nominees might be part of the Scottish Performance Squad or simply compete in Paddle Scotland events.

Provider of the Year

Another new one, this award celebrates Paddle Scotland-affiliated centres, practitioners or delivery partners who have gone above and beyond over the course of the last year. 

Event of the Year

Let's celebrate the fantastic events in our calendar! Nominations can be for level 4 (club) or level 5 Paddle Scotland events.

Club of the Year

This award acknowledges the fantastic work being carried out in clubs across Scotland. Club of the year is open to all Paddle Scotland affiliated clubs. The winner will be selected by considering what the club does, how well the club is organised, connected and promoted, and its plans for the future. Individual or affiliated club members are welcome to nominate any affiliated club they think deserves to win.

Coach of the Year

This award is for a coach, either volunteer or professional, that has gone above and beyond. Perhaps they’ve come up with innovative ways of coaching or provided extra support both on and off the water.

Lifetime Service to the Sport

Another new category, this award recognises outstanding service, commitment and contribution to the sport over a number of years, at club, local, regional or national level within Scotland. It may be awarded to any participant, coach or administrator in the sport.

Nominations Process

Complete the nominations form by 5pm on Monday 15 December 2025. Nominators can nominate one individual, group or club for each of the 10 categories.

Nominees and winners will be selected by a panel consisting of a Paddle Scotland Board member, staff member, Young Ambassador and previous award winner and announced to the membership following the closing of nominations.