Fly fishing retreat for women grows to Atlantic-wide empowering movement | SaltWire

All geared up and ready to fish. - ContributedBROOKFIELD, N.S. — After two years of fishing retreats and more to come, the number of women interested in fly fishing has grown thanks to a women-led initiative known as Atlantic Women on the Fly.

“It was humbling and a little nerve-wracking," said Cunningham. “I'm used to doing presentations, I'm used to being in front of a crowd, but for some reason, I thought I got nervous a little bit.”Atkinson said it felt like another “tick on the wall” to have women receiving the award for a women-led event that empowers women. She hopes that receiving the award opens the eyes of others who may not have been aware of the workshop event.

But getting into fly fishing has gender barriers starting with the gear. Most of the gaiters and boots are for men, which can make finding some sizes difficult and limited to lower-end quality, with some technical capabilities removed. There can also be intimidation from teachers. “You're constantly in a room surrounded by men and no women to support you,” said Cunningham. “So you had to get really broad shoulders and I thought well this isn't a great thing. I want women to feel comfortable doing this stuff. I want women to enjoy it the same way that we can possibly do it. I don't want intimidation, I want equality. And it became a passion when we saw how many women wanted to do it. But they were nervous and scared of being out on the water with men.

Sali Cunningham and Mary Atkinson were recently recognized by the Province of Nova Scotia. - Chelsey Gould “Our team is diverse as far as their time within the industry,” said Atkinson. “They're handpicked knowing that they're going to be teaching women. So patience, to get the message across, kind of thing, to teach and to teach fluidly.”But as Atlantic Women on the Fly helps spread the practice, so too does interest from participants who are now obtaining guide licenses.

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