If you dream of floating on water, kayaking may be the ideal sport for you. Whether you want to learn to go solo with your own adaptive equipment or try a one-time outing with friends and family, taking some time to plan your excursion will ensure a positive experience.
“Having the right equipment for the needs of each particular paddler is the most important thing to consider,” says inventor Mark Theobald, who developed an adaptive kayak for use by people with varying degrees of physical challenges. “Everyone has different needs according to their abilities.”
Before picking up the phone to call one of the organizations listed below, ask yourself the following:
1. What are your goals? Do you want to float on a pristine lake watching wildlife or fishing, get a cardiovascular workout, enjoy some peaceful solitude, or experience an adventure with friends and family?
2. What are your abilities? According to Joel Berman, executive director of Adaptive Adventures, the two most important things to consider when being outfitted with a kayak are balance and arm strength. Wider sea kayaks and flat-water kayaks provide more stability than river kayaks, which have rounded bottoms that make them great for maneuverability but are easier to flip.
Inflatable kayaks provide even more stability, and additional pontoon support can be added alongside any kayak. Those with limited trunk control benefit from additional padding, and using wheelchair cushions can improve comfort and help prevent skin breakdown and pressure sores.
Several adaptations like Velcro gloves exist for those with limited grip strength and, depending upon an individual’s arm strength, special adaptive equipment can hold the paddles in place, sometimes in a vertical position, or enable those with the use of only one arm to paddle solo.
Tandem kayaks allow individuals who are blind or visual impaired or have little-to-no strength to be out on the water. Another option is a specialized sit-on-top kayak, great for quadriplegics who want to be out in their own boat.
3. What kind of instruction do you want? If you want to learn to kayak on your own, you’ll need more instruction than if you want to enjoy a guided outing. When you call ahead, ask the organization about their instructors’ credentials and experience.
4. What are your accessibility needs? Consider if you’ll need close-in parking or ramps to access the water or if you can walk up to the dock or beach.
5. What is your budget? Programs vary in cost, and some offer discounts or scholarships.
One of the best things about kayaking is that everyone can participate side-by-side in a standard kayak, unlike many sports such as bicycling and skiing that require special adaptive equipment.
“We often get the comment that people can’t tell who is disabled on our kayaking trips,” says Joel. “Once you’re in the boat, everyone is on a level playing field.”
Resources
Adaptive Kayaking - (includes listing of types of equipment)
American Canoe Association - (Offers book, Canoeing and Kayaking for Persons with Disabilities)
Baltimore Adapted Recreation & Sports
Bart J. Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
Kayak Zak - (includes adaptive paddling tips)
Southeast Alaska Independent Living
Vancouver Island Standing Spirit Project
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport
Paddles and Boots, Inc., Ontario, Canada
*If you know of another organization that provides adaptive kayaking, please contact the author at: http://www.disaboom.com/members/Lori-B.aspx
Photos courtesy of Disabled Adventurers
