Post 03 - Accessible Kayaking

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While researching accessible activities in my community, I found a local park with an ADA-accessible canoe/kayak launch. From this, I found free guided kayak tours at this location through a popular local organization. I jumped at this opportunity. I saw it as a chance to, not only get hands-on experience with the accessible launch, but also spend my morning out on the water. So, there I was one early morning, excited to learn more about the accessible kayaking.

As I stood there amongst the group of kayaker, the lady standing beside me started a conversation with me. She asked if I have ever been to the park or kayaked before. The conversation flowed, and one thing led to another, as I brought up that I was an occupational therapy student and shared about my capstone project. I explained that I was researching accessible tourism and how I am advocating for increased accessibility throughout my hometown. She then shared her past with me. Not only was she was an avid traveler back in the day, she shared multiple stories of her and her husband on kayaking adventures. However, it had been many years since she got out on the water. This once meaningful activity was now filled with fears, concerns, and doubts. She shared that she would be more comfortable on a two-person kayak and asked if I minded joining her. In that moment all I could think was, “This is so OT!” One of the main goals of OT is to help our clients regain their ability and confidence to engage in activities that are purposeful to them. And as silly as it may sound to others, a two-hour kayak tour meant a lot to this wonderful lady!

Throughout that tour I learned a lot. We went on our merry way listening to the guide explain the natural beauty of Sarasota Bay. The lady was able to paddle for short duration, but I could see the confidence building throughout the trip. By the end, we were in a mad dash to catch up with a dolphin before paddling back to the launch spot. She thanked me for going with her and helping her along the way, and I thanked her for sharing her story and allowing me to learn from her.

We pulled back into the launch and we both stopped to talk with the tour guide about the ADA-accessible launch. The launch, as you can see below, has the purpose of helping individuals with mobility impairments to transfer into a canoe or kayak safely. The tour guide did not have any experience with kayakers that utilize a wheelchair. This was an opportunity to explain the transfer process and how to best assist through to support the individual.

Taking yourself out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow. You will never know, if you never try. I was able to help a kind new friend to re-engage in a meaningful activity after several years of fear, educate and advocate for increased accessibility, and spend the day on the water.