The nature of paddle sport is that it is very adaptable for all kinds of needs. If people have physical impairments that could potentially make canoeing and kayaking very difficult there are a number of ways the activity can be changed to fit the needs of the participant.
Access to Boats
LOPC has a variety of different canoes and kayaks to suit different needs. Here are some of what we have to offer:
Bell Boat
A bell boat is a fantastic piece of kit that has inclusivity at the heart of its use. The idea of the Bell Boat is paddling for all. Virtually impossible to tip over, this boat is a very safe craft that can take up to 8 adults or 12 children. With a large group of people on the boat all working together, no matter how much you struggle with paddling, the boat should still be able to get where you want it too, especially with an instructor on board.
The boat also has a large platform in the middle, which you can sit if you would rather be away from the water, or to store kit/bags, plus, it also provides an easy platform for the instructor to move about and help different people. For more information about Bell Boating click here.
Kata Kanu
Very much like a Bell Boat but just a bit smaller. Typically, we would have up to six people in a Kata Kanu at a time. The seats are wider allowing more comfort, and there is a mesh running down the middle for someone to lie on if preferred. This is ideal for smaller groups or groups who want to split up. You can find more information about Kata Kanuing by clicking here.
Rafted Canoes
A bit nervous at the idea of sitting in a canoe? We can attach the canoes together into a catamaran shape. This creates a very stable platform that will be very hard to tip over. The other advantage to this is, it means many of you will paddle together, which will make it easier to move. We can also arrange for the instructor to paddle with you. We can also use canoes with wider/longer hulls to suit different sizes and make more comfortable.
Sit on Top Kayak
Easy to access, without the need to climb inside as you would with a closed cockpit kayak. Generally a very stable craft that tends to track in a straight line. We have separate back supports available on request.
Open Cockpit Kayak
This type of kayak has an open cockpit allowing easy access. It also has a wider hull giving it extra stability to minimise any possible chance of a capsize. It can be paddled tandem – allowing support if needed.
Tandem Kayaks
Sometimes participants need some support to either give confidence or simply help paddle the boat. A tandem kayak is a great way to offer the 1 to 1 support.
Hoist
Positioned just on the side of the river we have a hoist we can use to help wheel chair users get in and out of the boats. We also have a selection of slings we can use if needed. This makes getting wheel chair users in and out of boats safely, comfortably and easily helping them to experience paddle sport.
We also note that this is not necessary for all wheel chair users, and will talk to anyone about what support the require.
Holding the Paddle
Paddle Fist Grips
These versatile pieces of kit can be used all paddle sport. We also have them in child and adult sizes. They fasten around the arm, hand and paddle to help the participant hold the paddle. These are ideal for people who have dexterity problems with their hands and struggle to grip objects.
Paddle Retainers
A simple piece of kit we can use to attach a paddle to someone. If somebody has limited or no use in one of their arms, the attachment point can be used as a pivot point, using their more able arm to paddle.
Back Support
Pictured to the right is an seat that straps to a canoe seat to help someone sit up. However we can also use other objects such as cushions foam. We also have other options such as sitting on the hull of the boat supported by someone sat behind or lying across the middle of the bell boat.
