19/07/2024

Discover the New Wave of Accessible Paddleboarding

The back of a man and a woman paddleboarding on a lake. The woman is in an adapted seat whilst the man is accompanying her stood up.

This week, in celebration of our Accessible Outdoors Inland Water Week, we are excited to spotlight a unique and inclusive way to enjoy the water. Often referred to as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), the craze of paddleboarding that has been gaining popularity over the past decade is here to stay. Will Behenna, founder of Inclusive Paddleboarding (IP), suggests dropping “Stand Up” and just calling it Paddleboarding, in order to accommodate people who might difficulty have standing on a paddleboard.

Boy and a man on a paddleboard in the sea, the boy is sitting on an adaptable chair whilst the man is paddling behind him. Floats have been added to the paddleboard for stability.

Embracing Paddleboarding for All

Will tells us that paddleboarding can be a fantastic activity for those with mobility issues if done with the right tweaks and adaptations. Accessible paddleboarding offers a way for everyone to experience the joys of paddleboarding on lakes, rivers, or the sea. This activity empowers disabled people, providing independence and freedom to explore our blue spaces.

Will’s journey into adaptable paddleboarding began after a cycling accident at 16 left him paralysed from the chest down. His drive to independently enjoy water activities led to the creation of SIP, where he found a way to thrive on the water.

Innovative Adaptations for Enhanced Accessibility

A man on an adapted seat paddleboard and a lady with a wheelchair adapted paddleboard with extra floats for stability on a lake

Paddleboards have been adapted in many ways to accommodate different needs. Some, like Will’s, feature added seats or kneeling pads, while others include specialised wheelchair seats. The wide, flat, and stable designs of paddleboards make them ideal for individuals with reduced mobility. For additional safety and stability, floats can be attached to the sides. Paddleboards are also relatively light, easy to manoeuvre and convenient to store. Paddleboarding is fantastic for mental well-being but also honing physical skills and strengthening your core.

How to Get Started with Accessible Paddleboarding

Interested in trying paddleboarding? Here are a few resources to help you get started:

The Every Body Moves Finder: Discover opportunities near you on their website Home | Every Body Moves
Access Adventures website
Paddle UK’s Paddle-Ability Finder: Find centres and clubs offering disability services here: Paddle-Ability | Centres and clubs near you offering disability services (gopaddling.info)

As accessible paddleboarding is a relatively new concept, we recommend reaching out to your local water-based activity clubs to explore how they can accommodate your needs. Innovation and adaptability are key!

Trailblazers in Accessible Paddleboarding

A man on an adapted seat paddleboard on a river on a sunny day

Will Behenna at Inclusive Paddleboarding in Dorset: Home - Inclusive Paddleboarding
Danny Godridge at SUP Active Yorkshire: Intro to SUP | SUP Active Yorkshire
Rab Wallace at Central Scotland Adventures

Join the movement and experience the freedom and empowerment of paddleboarding!

Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or more information about accessible paddleboarding.