How to get someone into a kayak who uses a wheelchair

by Pauline Halstead

Barriers, barriers and more barriers.  For today, I will only talk about the physical barriers.

Imagine a keen adaptive paddler, patiently waiting in their wheelchair, imagining what floating on the water will be like.  

What comes first – the transfer on the beach or by the water?  If by the water, how to get the person in the wheelchair across the beach?  These days, there are many options to do this.  But, back then, it was a head-scratching challenge.  At that time, Dee did not need a full transfer as she was able to stand but not walk, but how to transport the wheelchair across the sand or the kayak across?  Simple when one knows where free wood is available.  I loaded about 10 planks into my car.  By putting planks down, Dee could roll onto them.  Getting to the water’s edge was just a matter of taking the back planks and putting them in front.  It took a while but was so well worth the effort.  Then, all that was needed was for Dee to stand, move her wheelchair to one side, and place the kayak next to her.  With a bit of assistance, pfd, paddle and accessories, she was ready to be pushed into the lake.  With one firm push onto the water, I checked her stability, reviewed paddling basics, jumped into my boat, and we were away.  Freedom!