Adaptive Sport Equipment

For a number of years we have been welcoming a large number of users and groups who needed adaptions to meet specific needs. This has included young people with limited mobility through to new paddlers in the 70’s with limited vision. Alongside our work on installing a new accessibility pontoon we sought funding to be able to provide a range of adaptive paddlesportds equipment.

We are very thankful to the St Nicholas Care Fund Trust who awarded us £2500 to allow the purchase of a range of adaptive equipment. We drew on the incredibly useful resource provided by British Canoeing which showed just how many different adaptations may be needed, but also the importance of being adaptable, and considering “hand-made” / “home-made”  items that addressed specific needs. The humble bean bag is one of the most useful of all adaptations.

We learnt during the process and also as we created the operating instructions and training materials that some of the commercially available items don’t necessarily represent great value for money and this has given us the confidence to move forwards with a greater focus on the individuals needs, rather than the manufacturers recommendations.

We aspire in the longer terms to develop a dedicated accessible paddlesports club and although the equipment is already in regular use the support of St Nicholas Care Fund to purchase equipment is a major step in our long term ambitions. The Scottish Canoe Association supported us during the process.