Adaptive paddling offers a great blend fitness, independence, and connection, with both nature and community for individuals with mobility impairments. Whether your goal is getting comfortable with the water, enjoying your afternoon paddling about, or competing on the world stage at Paracanoeing, getting started is a lot more accessible than you might think!

How to Find Adaptive Paddling Near You

The most reliable way to start is by connecting with your local paddling community. National bodies like the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) have over 100 member clubs across the country, and most are fully supportive of adaptive paddlers. 

• Start with a "Come-and-Try" Session: Nearly all clubs run introductory sessions for newcomers. The AOCRA recommends contacting a local club directly to find an appropriate day and time.

• Inclusive Community: Adaptive paddlers are welcomed alongside non-adaptive newcomers, making it a fantastic way to expand your social circle.

• Targeted State Programs: Organisations like Paddle Victoria often run dedicated "All Abilities" or adaptive paddling programs based on community interest.

• Get Involved: Reach out to state organisations via email; they are often ready to set up specific dates and locations for groups to try paddling.

Go Pro: Transitioning to High-Performance

For those with competitive aspirations, the pathway is through Paracanoeing. This discipline is governed by Paddle Australia and its state branches. Paracanoeing is a high-performance sport recognised at the Paralympic level. Your local club is the gateway here too; they can guide you on the specific equipment and coaching required to transition from recreational paddling to competitive training.

Go Solo: Independent Paddling

While clubs and Paracanoeing offer a fantastic community, many adaptive paddlers seek the simplicity and independence of exploring beaches, lakes, and calm bays at their own pace. This is where the evolution of adaptive paddleboards truly shines.

Can a beach facilitate this? Absolutely, yes! Beaches and local councils across Australia are actively investing in accessibility, making it easier than ever to get on the water independently. Look for locations that provide:

• Beach Access Matting: Mats that roll out over the sand to provide a smooth pathway to the water's edge.

• Beach Wheelchairs and Hoists: Equipment to assist with transfers and movement across the beach.

This growing accessibility creates the perfect environment for personal equipment like the Sea Creature Sit Down Paddleboard. Designed for stability and total independence, it allows you to bypass the need for hired club equipment and launch directly from an accessible beach or lake - just make sure you’ve got someone there keeping an eye out for you! Instead of waiting for a club session, you gain the freedom to paddle whenever you choose, turning any accessible beach into a launch site. If you’re in need of further assistance getting in the water, contact your local Surf Lifesavers Club for more information.

The Impact of Specialised Equipment

While many clubs can accommodate adaptive paddlers in traditional equipment like outrigger canoes, having personal adaptive gear significantly expands your independence. Products like the Sea Creature Sit Down Paddleboard are designed to provide maximum stability and accessibility. This type of equipment allows a paddler to sit safely and comfortably while providing the freedom to go anywhere on the water independently, whether for casual recreation or as part of a formal training session.

The next step - don't wait! Use the resources below to find a club and get out on the water.

Resources

• AOCRA Clubs: The organisation has a full list of their clubs around the country. Once you've found one that suits you, reach out to them directly about adaptive paddling and they'll steer you in the right direction.
• Paddle Australia Clubs: Paddle Aus has a comprehensive list of clubs available to you around Australia. 
• Paddle Victoria: Paddle VIC has an expression of interest page if you'd like to get started, just enter your details and they'll get in touch.