With the rise in paddleboarding and more people buying their own boards and getting out on to the sea regularly, you may have come across the local group, Saltbirds.

Saltbirds was created by Sancha Myall, a local woman who loves the outdoors. She started paddle boarding six years ago and quickly developed both her love of the sport and proficiency, becoming a qualified instructor in 2021. 

As more people started to buy boards and take to the water, Sancha realised she was part of something special, excellent for body, mind and soul, paddle boarding is an activity that appeals to all ages.

Sancha said: "Typically, any activity on the water comes with inherent dangers and unless educated in water safety, novice boarders can be extremely vulnerable.

"A seed of an idea grew, 'why not create a social group to support women paddlers who wanted to safely explore the local waterways, inland and coastal and improve their technique?'. This idea took root and today The Saltbirds Social Paddles are hugely popular with women in Dorset and Somerset.

"Tide times, currents and weather are all factored in when choosing the best weekly venue and women in their 20s through to retirees meet to embark on a safe adventure. Car parks fill with boards, chattering and smiles as each woman gets ready and they all launch together.

"Sometimes it's a coastal paddle from Lyme Regis to Charmouth with a dip in the sea and a bacon roll from a local café, or a gentle river paddle from Bridport to West Bay. The locations vary and so do the numbers, anything from 10 to 30 women will take part."

There is no membership fee or costs associated with this group, its purely social, however, as a qualified instructor, Sancha does offer private lessons. She's a seasoned SUP'er having completed many national challenges, such as Head of the Dart, SUP the Creek and most recently the Trent 100 with a team of eight for the third time.

Sancha inspires women to enjoy, learn and face their fears on the water, there is no pressure or competition in the group, just a safe environment for novice paddlers to confident regulars.

Friendships are built and social paddles arranged outside the group, Saltbirds is a brilliant concept created by an inspiring woman. To join them, follow @Saltbirds on Facebook or Instagram.