My name is Bill, and I have worked for 180 Medical for over 10 years. 
About 26 years ago, I was involved in a motocross accident that rendered me a quadriplegic. You can learn more about my story here. I’ve been living with a spinal cord injury since then, and I keep finding ways to explore and stay active, including adaptive kayaking.
Trying Out Adaptive Kayaking in Oklahoma
I live in Oklahoma City, and I feel fortunate to live here because we have a lot of wonderful organizations that work hard to provide fun events and opportunities for
people are physically challenged.
I’m always up for trying new activities, and kayaking is the latest endeavor that I’ve really enjoyed participating in. This free-of-charge program is put on by OKC RIVERSPORT through a partnership with INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation. The location is on the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City. It is free of charge and available to adults (and their caregivers) ages 18+ with physical and visual disabilities. No experience is necessary, although there is a waiver that must be filled out before being allowed to participate. You do not have to be able to swim, but you must feel comfortable in the water. I do believe that you have to be able to turn yourself over if you are face down in the water while wearing a personal flotation device (lifejacket).
Specialized Equipment for Those with Spinal Cord Injuries
The kayaks are designed to accommodate a wide range of disabilities. For someone like myself, the kayak is equipped with a special seat that has a higher back with lateral supports to keep me from falling over since I have very little trunk control. I also sit on a cushion to prevent skin breakdown from prolonged pressure. The kayak has outriggers attached to both sides, which makes it virtually impossible to turn over. They also have special paddles with wrist cuffs and other adaptations that allow me to grip the paddle since my hands are nonfunctioning. They provide life-jackets as well as all of the other needed equipment.
On my first time there, we were able to get the paddles adjusted to my liking, and in just a short amount of time, I was ready to go! Two volunteers lifted me from my wheelchair into the kayak. They provide you with as much assistance as you need. You even have a volunteer that is near you the entire time while you are on the water just in case you run into any problems.
The first time I went out, I admit I was a little nervous about how stable the boat would be, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was very stable, and I let go of my fear of tipping over. It was a great feeling to be out of the wheelchair and free on the open water. It did not take very long to figure out how to paddle decently, and before I knew it, I was cruising right along.
Adaptive Kayaking is Fun and Healthy
One thing I will say is it is good exercise. I found myself getting winded sooner than expected. After about an hour, I had pretty much worn myself out and was ready to come back to the dock.
When you are finished, volunteers are there to assist you in getting back into your wheelchair if you require one. Since I have been participating in this fun activity, I have gotten to meet people there — some with visual disabilities, amputees, and varying levels of spinal cord injuries.
There is a young man who is a higher-level quadriplegic than me. They have a special modification for him that actually holds the paddle on a bar that comes up between his legs, so all he has to do is connect his hands to the paddle and rotate the paddle into the water. I can see the joy on his face every time he goes out because this has just opened up a new world for him.
A great website that offers all of the modifications for the kayaks is creatingability.com. They may be able to assist you in finding a program in your local area. You might also try to contact your local
rehabilitation center, associations, support groups, or other resources specific to your condition. Some of the other activities available in my area include adaptive waterskiing and sailing. Then get out there and have some fun!
