Focus on Kayaking Fun For People With Disabilities

People with physical disabilities including paralytics, amputees, arthritis sufferers, people with CP (Cerebral Palsy), those with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), age related disabilities or developmental disabilities have learned to kayak.  Modifications to equipment may be necessary, but are available to those who need them.  Disabled persons often find that while on the water kayaking gives them a freedom of mobility that is not enjoyed on land.  Kayaking is a great stress reliever, whether you are able bodied or disabled.  While in the water, disabled persons learn to focus on beautiful surroundings and the pure pleasure of recreational kayaking.

In recent years, adaptive kayaking has been made available to more people.  Communities have begun to create kayaking facilities and launch sites for kayaks and canoes that allow both able bodied people and those with disabilities to have equal access to recreational opportunities on the water.

Schools such as Cal Poly through their Kinesiology department have incorporated adaptive paddling programs into their curriculum.  Other organizations, including the ACA or The American Canoe Association have been instrumental in providing instruction for paddlers with disabilities.  They also have courses designed for instructors.  They have an Adaptive Paddling Program that can give you information on adaptations for paddles, seating and more.  Their Safety Education and Instruction department is tops in the field.

Some Adaptive Kayaking Providers

While we are not affiliated with or sponsored by any adaptive kayaking programs or facilities, we have found there are quite a number of facilities, both non-profit and for profit that offer excellent programs on recreational kayaking and other outdoor sports activities.  These adaptive recreational providers offer challenging programs for physically, mentally or sight impaired individuals.  Some adaptive kayaking programs focus specifically on children and their needs.  Other adaptive kayaking facilities welcome people of all ages, children and adults alike, able bodied or disabled.  A few adaptive recreational kayaking organizations that we think are worthy of your consideration are as follows in no particular order of popularity:

Access Port America in Massachusetts, USA http://www.accessportamerica.org/

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra in California, USA http://www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org/index.html

Courage Center Camps in Minnesota, USA http://www.couragecenter.org/contentpages/camphomepage.aspx

Adventures Without Limits in Oregon, USA http://www.awloutdoors.com/