Melinda Simms, a C4-7 incomplete quadriplegic, loves adaptive kayaking. “My husband, Rod, and Northeast Passage worked with me at a two-day kayak clinic modifying a fishing kayak for my body’s needs,” says Simms, a United Spinal Outdoor Working group member and Chapter Advocacy Coordinator.
Simms needs torso support, shade, paddle hand locks, and customized seating to kayak safely. Northeast Passage taught her how to transfer, what to do if her kayak tips over or her arms give out and she needs a tow, and how to handle overheating and autonomic dysreflexia. “They even adapted a fishing pole to fasten to my hand so it doesn’t launch into the water when I cast it!”
Northeast Passage took all the graduates and their caregivers for a trial run at a local lake the weekend following the clinic so they could put their skills into action. “Now, we go paddling on our own.” She prefers to kayak in the morning so she doesn’t get overheated.
Adaptive kayaking, a sport gaining popularity among wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities, sees the installation of more accessible kayak launches in marinas, state parks, and other water-adjacent locations across America each year.
Are you interested in trying it? Watch Tara Schett demonstrate how to transfer into a kayak using an accessible launch:
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Try Whitewater Adaptive Kayaking or Rafting
Ensuring you have the right equipment is crucial for any outdoor water activity, both for safety and to enhance your experience. Fortunately, numerous organizations provide the necessary equipment.
Working group member and founder of Access on the Go Eric Thompson collaborated with Creature Crafts to develop the Handi-Craft Adaptive. This whitewater outfitting system is designed to correct itself when flipped over. “Instead of being, at best, cargo on the intermediate section, you can now either oar completely independently or you can participate with a guide,” says Eric.
Eric also recommends checking out the Creating Ability website for fully outfitted kayaks and adaptions to help enable people of all abilities to participate in adaptive kayaking. This organization travels thousands of miles annually to volunteer at events and provide on-site support, education, and outfitting.
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If you want your own personal equipment, the Move United website is a valuable resource. Its links to equipment for paddle sports, adaptive rowing, surfing, and general water use make it easier for you to find what you need.
Resources to get you on the water
Here are more great adaptive paddle sports outfitters courtesy of our Adaptive Recreation Working Group:
Adaptive Adventures
This organization serves nationwide and offers a wide range of available adaptions to offer accessibility to kayaking and paddleboarding for individuals with disabilities. (303) 679-2770, info@adaptiveadventures.org
Adaptive Expeditions
This organization, based in Charleston, South Carolina, offers all-inclusive canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) excursions into the state’s salt marshes, swamps, and blackwater rivers. Pool sessions are available by appointment to help develop the skills needed to participate safely in the excursions. (843) 637-7269, joe@AEOutdoors.org
Arizona Adaptive Water Sports
This organization holds its events at Bartlett Lake in Arizona. One and two-seater kayaks with adaptions for various disabilities are available, along with a trained adaptive kayaking instructor. (602) 228-3660, jo@azadaptivewatersports.org
Erie Canal Boat Company – Rochester Accessible Adventures
This organization has created an accessible, friendly, safe environment for people to kayak and cycle with their friends and family. Experienced staff and volunteers, a dock-mounted Hoyer lift, floating docks low to the water, and a ramp entry all make ECBC a wonderful place to learn about adaptive kayaking equipment and paddling options so you can explore the Erie Canal along Fairport’s banks and beyond. (585) 748-2628, eriecanalboatcompany@gmail.com
Healing Waves
HW is based in the Jersey Channel Islands and offers Ocean Therapy Paddle Board Sessions at St. Brelade’s and all the equipment needed to enjoy your paddleboard experience. healingwavesoceantherapy@gmail.com
National Ability Center
Located in Park City, Utah, NAC offers a diverse range of accessible equipment and teaching methods to cater to both first-time and experienced paddlers. Accessible kayaking and paddleboarding take place at the Jordanelle Reservoir. (435) 649-3991, info@discovernac.org
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New England Disabled Sports (NEDS)
NEDS offers kayaking and canoeing in its summer program. Trained coaches will match you with the proper equipment to enjoy your time on the water at Mirror Lake in Thornton, New Hampshire. Sessions last approximately two hours. (603) 745-9333, info@nedisabledsports.org
New England Healing Sports Association
Based out of Newbury, New Hampshire, NEHSA’s summer program provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn to kayak and paddleboard. They provide kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices. The kayaks can be equipped with pontoons for stability, adjustable seats for comfort and support, and padding if needed for legs and/or feet. NEHSA has a wide range of adaptive equipment available. The kayaks and paddles can be modified for comfort and stability to meet the needs of anyone. (603) 763-9158, info@nehsa.org
Northeast Passage
Northeast Passage offers adaptive kayaking opportunities to explore local fresh and saltwater areas at various locations. Kayaks, paddles, and accessories are provided. A kayaking skills course is offered for individuals with significant mobility impairments. Adaptive paddleboarding is offered throughout the summer at two locations, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Standing or sitting paddleboards are available. (603) 862-0070, northeast.passage@unh.edu
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RISE Adaptive Sports
RISE is located in Irving, Texas, and offers adaptive kayaking for all ages and skill levels. Participants must join RISE free of cost to participate in any of the programs offered. (972) 292-8650, info@riseadaptivesports.org
STRIDE Adaptive Sports
This organization is based out of West Sand Lake, New York. With support from the American Canoe Association and L.L. Bean, wristband paddles and hand adaptions are provided so people with all abilities can participate. (518) 598-1279, info@stride.org
Team River Runner (TRR)
TRR is the LARGEST adaptive and therapeutic paddling program in the nation for veterans, active duty and their families. There are TRR Chapters located throughout the United States. info@teamriverrunner.org
Safety first!
Being safe and knowing how adaptive water sports activities equipment should be handled and used is extremely important in making your experience fun. To have a successful day on the water, the following should also be considered:
- Pack a survival kit with your medications, seasickness pills, first aid supplies, repair tools and extra personal medical supplies such as catheters.
- Bring drinks and food if none are provided.
- Stay hydrated, wear clothing that protects you from the sun (hat, sunglasses, etc.), and remember sunscreen.
- Wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and, if required, a properly fitted helmet and wet suit.
- Always use the correct equipment for your ability level.
- Follow standard rules and instructions, know your limits and make sure you are well-trained.
- Know and recognize the common emergency and help signals.
- Do not go alone. Have someone in close proximity in case something goes wrong.
- Avoid adapted water sports at night or during dangerous weather conditions.
Outdoor Access Working Group
Our United Spinal’s Outdoor Access Working Group collaborates with advocates across the United States to remove barriers and promote outdoor adaptive activities of all kinds. To join us, please fill out this online form.
