adaptative paddling

fabrice

Hi guys
I've been asked to join my outrigger activities to a multi-sports week-end for the disabled.
Although I'm looking forward to the event,I'm a bit nervous and was wondering if some of you could give me their insights ?
What are the limitations, and how to handle them ?
Is there a kind of disability radically unmanageable in an outrigger ?
I clearly see how a paraplegic would paddle, maybe harder than I do actually ! easy cake.
I assume blind people would follow the "hut" sign easily.
What about deaf people ? How can I help them keep in rythm ?
Is there something special to keep in mind considering their safety ?
Thanks for me, and for them if I'm able to help them enjoy the experience and have fun !

Submitted by fabrice on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 9:59pm

Hiro C.

pfd for everyone.
twin hulls = no chance of huli. you can even rig 2 V1s together with 2 pieces of 2"x2".
deaf people can see the others... so sit them in seat 4 or 5.
count every stroke for blind people if they can't keep the synch.

#1 Wed, 05/04/2011 - 10:26pm

fabrice

Thanks a lot Hiro.
The double V1 is just brilliant !
pfd always, whoever is on the water. ;-)
Amusant qu'on se parle en Anglais !

#2 Thu, 05/05/2011 - 1:04am

aepling2008

http://youtu.be/9zZodT3UUY4

http://youtu.be/8uk2Hs1oRzc

#3 Thu, 05/05/2011 - 7:40am

onnopaddle

IMHO,
Just show up with your biggest heart in place and go with the flow so they have the best time possible.
aloha,
pog

#4 Thu, 05/05/2011 - 8:58am

fabrice

You were all right, especially onno.
The week-end was great and I learned a lot !
Just one example : Some blind guy that had never paddled before really kicked my ass with his perfect synch just feeling the boat movement !
mauruuru to all, and to the va'a sport that makes it possible.

#5 Mon, 05/23/2011 - 10:16pm