Sarah Thomson, Director of Och Aye Canoe, based in Fife has been named Scotland’s Businesswoman of the Year at the Association of Scottish Businesswomen National Awards 2024.
This prestigious award is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and achievements in the outdoor adventure industry. As the driving force behind Och Aye Canoe, she has been helping to empower people from all walks of life to discover the beauty of Scotland’s waterways through kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
Her journey began over two decades ago, rooted in a love for the outdoors and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Following a life-changing leg injury, whereby she could not walk and had a blue disabled badge, she had a femoro-popliteal bypass operation. She worked hard to recover and transformed her own passion for paddlesports into a thriving business, introducing paddling to people of all abilities and experiences. Through Och Aye Canoe, she has fostered a welcoming environment, ensuring everyone - from beginners to seasoned paddlers - has the chance to experience the Scottish outdoors.
Sarah is a client of Business Gateway Fife, and by working with her business adviser, Samir Rhazali, she has received one-to-one support, including a strategic review of her business, signposting to wider networks, and securing a Workforce Upskilling Grant. This grant enabled her to obtain her powerboat instructor licence.
Sarah explained, “To be Scotland’s Businesswoman of the Year means so much to me, especially given how far I’ve come personally and professionally. My experience taught me how powerful the outdoors can be for healing and empowerment, and I’m passionate about sharing that with others. Och Aye Canoe isn’t just a business - it’s a way to inspire and uplift people.
“As well as paddling I am also a powerboat instructor, marine radio and first aid instructor, Leave No Trace Trainer, and a key voice in Paddle Scotland's Equality Group. I bring a wealth of expertise to every session, ensuring my clients have safe and memorable experiences.” Sarah's work goes beyond the water, as she has collaborated with groups such as Help for Heroes and Limbless Veterans, guiding these courageous individuals in adapted paddling sessions designed for both adventure and healing. To her surprise, she has just been told she is now a finalist for a UK wide Paddle Quality Experience Award with the winner to be announced 23rd January 2025. This award is in recognition for providing outstanding paddlesport experiences, introducing innovative products, or creating new and existing paddling opportunities.
