OS Champion

Katie Sims

Katie Sims – Salty kayaker exploring Scotland’s waters one weekend at a time!

What drives you to spend time outside?

Being outside makes me feel happier, less stressed, keeps me fit and gives me the opportunity to spend my free time in beautiful surroundings. Scotland is an amazing place to explore with plenty of islands, beaches, sea arches, mountains and wildlife. I’ll never tire of it!

Where are your favourite places to go?

My favourite places are based on the great experiences I’ve had: cycle touring in the Outer Hebrides, kayaking around Eilean Nan Ron and the Rabbit Islands, camping on the Suilven summit and climbing the Inaccessible Pinnacle in Skye. Rather than returning to the same places again and again I really enjoy planning a trip somewhere I haven’t been yet.

What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?

Sea kayaking if you haven’t already guessed! Also wild camping. Any excuse to stay in a tent!

Who inspires you and how?

My boyfriend, Robbie. He’s a keen climber and has had a big effect on my enthusiasm for the outdoors. I’m really lucky to have someone like him to go on adventures with!

What are your focuses this year to help people get outside more often?

I hope that by sharing my experiences and showing a different perspective to the outdoors (from a kayak!) that it inspires people to explore and appreciate Scotland’s wilder parts. I’d also like to encourage people to join a local club. Whether it’s a cycling, running or kayaking club, you meet like-minded people, learn new skills and get outside doing something you love and sharing experiences with others along the way. I have met some good friends (and even my boyfriend!) from joining my local sea kayaking club 7 years ago and have spent the majority of my free time since then getting out on the water and discovering Scotland.

What are your 3 biggest life achievements?

Learning to kayak, buying and renovating my wee cottage, and qualifying as an audiologist.

3 words you live by…

Eat, sleep, paddle!

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Family sized bars of chocolate and binge watching Netflix!

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