Five years ago, Trent and I became involved in a program that changed our summers and gave Trent back some freedom that he lost because of his strokes. It is the Adaptive Kayaking program through the Northeast Disabled Athletics Association, run by “Super Woman,” Cathy Webster.
We found out about the program through our UVMMC Stroke Support Group. Prior to getting on the water, we met Cathy at her Rehab Gym where she assessed Trent’s needs and gave him the chance to use the equipment and get into the boat before we were anywhere near water.
The first day we arrived at the Waterbury Reservoir, I know Trent was very skeptical about the whole thing. As someone who used to canoe, he missed being able to be out on the water, but really didn’t know how the whole thing would work. To our delight, it worked like clockwork!
Cathy is always accompanied by several volunteers who spend the day in the sun helping people in and out of kayaks, giving this opportunity to people with a wide range of disabilities.
Kayakers get into the boat while still on land and are wheeled into the water on big inflated balloon wheels. With pontoons off the back and a special angled paddle, it is virtually impossible to tip over.
As Trent’s needs grew over the years after another stroke, Cathy has adapted and now uses a hoyer lift to get him in and out of the kayak. And Trent loves being out on the water, by himself, alone, enjoying the peacefulness of nature. It is always a highlight of our summer. As an unexpected bonus, I have been able to go out with him in another kayak, and this summer, finished off the season getting in and out of the boat without tipping over for the first time!
Before the strokes, I had no knowledge of adaptive sports, but as we have found, there are so many options out there. And besides the chance to reclaim a favorite activity from before the stroke, it has also introduced us to a new community of inspiring people who are truly embracing life, regardless of disability.
If you want more information about adaptive kayaking or other adaptive sports, go to https://disabledathletics.org//.
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