All aboard: users’ experiences of adapted paddling programs

Abstract

Purpose

Research has yet to examine the experiences of paddle boarders, or of kayakers with disabilities other than spinal cord injuries. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of kayakers and paddle boarders in two adaptive paddling programs.

Method

Participants were children and adults requiring physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial supports. Using an ethnographic approach, participant observations (n = 24) and semi-structured interviews (n = 11) were completed. Data were analyzed thematically.

Result

We identified three main themes. “Different Strokes” described the personal meaning participants ascribed to aspects of paddling, including valuing fun, exercise and relaxation. “Turning the Tide” illustrated the process of becoming a paddler, from doubting capacity to feeling competent. “Headwinds” explored paddlers’ interactions with the broader social, institutional, and economic environments, such as inadequate funding and program aversion to risk.

Conclusions

Programs offering a variety of adaptive paddle boarding and kayaking configurations enable paddlers to make valued choices about their participation. In addition to providing equipment and support to meet paddlers' functional abilities, program developers and clinicians should also consider individual preferences for exercise, socialization, risk taking, self-presentation of disability, and independence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• People living with physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial impairments perceive kayaking and paddle boarding as meaningful activities offering opportunities to exercise, have fun, achieve goals, socialize, and/or relax on the water.

• Kayakers and paddle boarders value equipment options that meet their physical and disability-disclosure preferences.

• Despite the existence of adaptive paddling programs, participation may be restricted by program availability, risk management policies, and leisure funding.

Keywords:

• Outdoor recreation
• adaptive water sports
• disability
• paddling
• safety

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this research, especially our participants and their support networks for sharing their experiences. Dr. Mortenson's work is supported with a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).