Kayaking for All Abilities

April-May 1997

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Kathryn Gardner

Mercia Sixta (standing center) instructs in challenges of kayak with disabilities

There were a few laughs, some minor struggles and a lot of group input as able-bodied workshop participants experimented to find the best methods to assist people with disabilities to learn to kayak. The session, held in Vancouver, was organized by Bonnie Friesen of the Vancouver Parks Board, and sponsored in part by C.O.R.K. (Creative Options for Recreational Kayaking) and the BC Rehabilitation Centre.

"Always think about your back [when lifting people]," emphasized physiotherapist Steve Weston as he facilitated participants in learning how to assist people from wheelchairs in and out of kayaks on dry land. The group was joined by Ken and Sheira, both in wheelchairs, who patiently helped everyone understand how they are able to incorporate activities like kayaking into their lifestyles.

"Usually I get out of my chair by myself", said Sheira as she gracefully demonstrated her own technique. It is always important to ask the paddler first what assistance is needed-often none is.

The group spent about an hour on the pool deck working out different techniques to assist people with different types of disabilities. Steve stressed that when transferring someone from a wheelchair to another location always keep their weight close to you, never twist, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Meanwhile Mercia Sixta, of the Pacific Kayaking School, took half of the group into the pool. Each participant had their legs tied together for the duration of the pool exercises to help them to empathise with their clients' challenges. Everyone soon discovered that swimming with their legs as dead weight was no easy task, let alone getting back into a kayak after it dumps.

Mercia taught a few rescue techniques including the "dead man" rescue where rescuers assist capsized paddlers still in their kayaks back upright, and the "somersault technique" where paddlers literally somersault themselves into the cockpit of their overturned kayaks before the rescuers flip them over.

"Contrary to what we always tell able-bodies paddlers [stay with your boat], tell disabled people to push the kayak away with their hands because they will surface face first and may get trapped under the boat", explained Mercia before demonstrating a wet exit. Everyone agreed that these techniques would require plenty of practice.

All too soon the pool session was over and the group adjourned to a classroom session instructed by members of BC Rehab. Jennifer Ertel, Sharon Armstrong and Wendy Kloeble provided a video, interactive "games" and a discussion designed to inform of the concerns and challenges created by paralysis and sensory disabilities.

When kayaking with a person with disabilities remember that they may tire sooner and have difficulty balancing in waves or negotiating obstacles. But perhaps more importantly, remember that paddling provides adventure, physical activity and a whole lot of fun for everyone with or without disabilities.

For more information contact Bonnie Friesen at 604/257-8500.