Adaptive
Kayaking
SUMMER 2022
June 5th- August 14th
Sundays 4:00-5:30 pm
Lake Neshonoc
South Boat Landing
Fee: FREE
Removing Barriers,
Creating Opportunities,
so that all may live healthier lives.
Registration for Summer 2022 will open March 15th, 2022.
Adaptive Kayaking is a program of the North American Squirrel Association. Through their generous support, individuals with physical challenges, cognitive impairment, blind and visually impaired, elderly, and Veterans are able to participate for FREE.
Wednesdays are available for group reservations. Please contact [email protected] for more information and to reserve a time.
All Kayaks must be RESERVED via TeamSnap. See detail below.
Who Should
Attend
All ages, youth and adult. Anyone who has a mobility challenge. Spina Bifida, Spinal cord injury, CP, Congenital limb issues, amputations, leg length discrepancy, short stature, Muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, MS, motor Dyspraxia, limited range of motion, balance issues, post stroke, Blind and visual impairment.
Family and Friends are welcome to join in an adventure on the water.
Group Homes are welcomed.
I am not sure I can even get into or out of a kayak!
Not to worry. We have adaptive equipment that allows you to transfer into the kayak on stable ground. Simply sit down on the transfer station bench , swing your feet in, and lower yourself down. We can assist with your legs if needed. Wheelchair users, so a slide transfer onto the transfer station bench. If needed we have a lift system to help get you in and out.
I don't know if I can paddle very long?
Don't worry, that's the beauty of a tandem kayak. You can take a break while your partner continues to paddle. In fact, we would be happy to just take you out for a ride and enjoy being on the water.
Individuals who have visual impairment can kayak in a tandem kayak, or a single kayak. When in a single kayak there is a mentor that serve as a guide giving auditory cues.
How do blind and visually impaired
individuals kayak?
Most anyone can do Adaptive Kayaking.
With our adaptive equipment we can accommodate most any any challenge.
Our specially designed kayaks offer:
Special design to prevent entrapment.
Specialized adjustable seating with truck supports.
Out riggers for added stability.
Ultra light paddles
Specialized seats to prevent sheer and pressure sores.
Specialized hand grips
Paddle pivot supports
Air cushions to support feet and legs
Larger opening to ease loading and unloading
Charriot Transfer System
Outriggers offer added stability. They can be adjusted to give more or less support as you gain confidence in your skills.
Is kayaking hard to learn?
Kayaking is easy to pick up. It is a very gentle motion. We have mentors who will take you out in a tandem (double) kayak to teach you the basics. You will be surprised how fast you become an expert at paddling and steering your kayak.
The specialize seating system can offer side hip ,back or trunk support to added stability. Use the standard seat or use it all. We can offer what you need to be successful.
Assistive hand grips allow those with weak grip strength to grasp the paddle easily.
A PADDLE PIVOT holds the wait of the paddle. It allows individuals with shoulder weakness to just concentrate on moving the paddle, not holding the weight of the paddle. The paddle pivot also allows individuals with only the use of one arm the ability to kayak.
The Wrist Adaptor allows those who have absence of a hand, no or limited use of the hand ( such as spinal cord injuries) the ability to hold the paddle, yet release the paddle in an emergency.
"Happy feet" air cushions pad areas from undo pressure from contractures or insensate skin. They are also used to help balance kayaker in the kayak.
"Sweet Cheeks" conform to your buttocks. They increase stability and prevent pressure sores and sheer in individuals who are insensate.
What To Bring
Safety
- Dress to move
- Water bottle
- sun screen
- sandals or shoes that can get wet
- At towel (optional)
- Safety is of upmost importance. We will cancel for severe weather/ lightening.
- Lake Neshonoc is a calm shallow lake. There is little power boat traffic, current or wakes which makes it a great place for kayaking.
- The kayaks are very stable with outriggers, in the unlikely event of a kayak tipping, everyone should be comfortable in water, and be able to float on their back.
- All participants should be able to protect their airway when in water.
- Everyone must wear a life vest.
- If in a single kayak, the participant should be able to follow simple directions.
- If it is your first time out, and you have questions about your kayaking skills, please sign up for a tandem kayak.
How Do I Reserve a Kayak?
First register with the STAR Association on this site. Then follow the instructions below. Once you have your TeamSnap account you are just a few clicks away to reserving your kayak.
Please down load the Team Snap app on your phone, so you will get program updates regarding weather cancellations on the "Fly"
1
2
3
5
7
4
6
PLEASE email us or message us thru Team Snap if you need a mentor.
Please Cancel your reservation thru the assignment link if you have a change in plans, so that others may use the kayaks.
SEE YOU ON THE WATER!
In case of inclement weather, the STAR Association reserves the right to cancel a session. Participants will be notified via TeamSnap.
The STAR Association follows CDC and State, and County Health Department recommendations for COVID Mitigation. We recommend that all who are eligible to get a vaccine to do so. Masks, Social Distancing and good hand washing will be required at all STAR programs.
Thanks for your interest in the STAR CENTER. We will keep you up to date on upcoming programming and events.
Our Collaborative Partners
Our Affiliations
