Getting started

If you have a disability or you want to encourage a person who has a disability to get involved in paddling, there are some things to keep in mind. There are many opportunities and programs of varying quality around the country. Here are the critical questions to ask:

• What training and experience has the organization had working with persons with disabilities?
• What experience do they have working with disabilities similar to that of the specific individual who is considering the paddling opportunity?
• What are their safety practices for all participants?
• Are PFDs worn by all participants, including the instructors?
• If someone needs seating or paddle adaptations, how will those adaptations be provided? The person should be able to quickly and easily become free of those adaptations during a wet exit and should be able to do so without help.
• Do not participate if hands will be taped to paddles or individuals strapped to seats by any mechanism. Safety is the key for all paddlers.
• All paddlers should get instruction from a paddling instructor certified to teach in the type of boat you want to paddle (canoe, kayak…river, white water or sea kayak). Instruction by a certified instructor for as little a ½ a day Introduction course can make paddling safer and more fun for all people.