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instructor must be willing to demonstrate, as many times until participants have a complete
grasp. While in the water, volunteers and instructors must be aware of their surroundings while
keeping watch of their group. Assistance is always given when needed. If a participant is tired
and wants to exit the water, a volunteer must go with them and distribute their participants
amongst the other volunteers still in the water.
Adaptations:
Participants with Spinal Cord Injury: When a person has a spinal cord injury (SCI), they
become limited to certain activities. With the correct adaptations, people with SCI could
successfully experience kayaking. Loss of function and sensation or paralysis can occur with
SCI. Proper fit and comfort in the kayak is required to avoid any cuts, abrasions, or bruising.
Cushions or proper universal seats are available for increased contact to the boat. A lift from the
dock could assist with placing a person with SCI into the kayak. If a lift is not available,
volunteers and therapist could help transition from the wheelchair to the kayak before settling it
into the water.
Participants with Amputations: People with amputations, whether it is the lower or upper
extremities, can still enjoy kayaking as well. They do experience limitations, but there are ways
to break barriers resulting from their disability. Standard paddles could be easily adapted to those
people with upper extremities amputations. There are voluntary closing mechanisms to grasp the
kayak paddle that have been designed as well as a passive functioning terminal device called the
The Hammerhead Kayak Hand. It mounts on any standard prosthesis and duplicates the wrist
action required for performing the paddling strokes. There are adaptations for persons with lower
extremity amputations as well. Closed cell foam is used to stuff the front of the kayak to secure
the participant with close contact to the boat. Thigh straps are also recommended and allow the
participants to maneuver easily. The universal seating system provides as much support as one
needs in the kayak.
Adaptations References:
American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists. (n.d.). Retrieved September 09, 2016, from
http://www.oandp.org/jpo/library/2007_03_084.asp
Canoeing and Kayaking Aids. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.waramps.ca/pdf/englishsite/ways-we-help/artificial-limbs-and-devices/upper-limb/canoeing-and-kayaking-aids.pdf
Info on Adaptive Paddling. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://adaptiveadventures.org/Images/programpics/aqua/kayak/Kayaking factsheet.pdf