Disabled and Blind Open Canoeing – Windermere

Explore Windermere at the speed of a paddle, one of the simplest and most
memorable ways to connect with the lake and environment.

Open canoeing is a super accessible sport by virtue of the boat bottoms being smooth.
Open canoes can be boarded on the land and only when everyone is comfy and secure
launched onto the water on a low friction mat. Once on the water we paddle off to
explore Windermere.

We have a variety of systems to support people with additional mobility needs
including outrigger floats to stabilise the canoes, supportive seats which give back
and lateral support, grip aids.

Access to and from the canoes can be on the land, which makes it ideal for those with
mobility impairments as you can get right next to the boat before transferring in. We
also have a gantry hoist to facilitate access for those who can’t independently
transfer.

There is an optional rudder that we can attach for steering, which is fantastic for
those that have energy limiting conditions, grip impairments or upper arm mobility
impairments to take an active role in the sport.

Lunch is a posh picnic and hot drink supplied by us and normally on a secluded beach.
We have a ramp access (900mm wide) power support boat which can provide tow
support to aid groups returning back to the start - allowing them to travel further in
one direction, make a quick return run to accessible toilets and provide a space for
group members who would prefer to watch (participants in the powerboat are
chargeable). Freedom (our powerboat) is launched as needed and judged on weather
conditions and group information - if you are banking on her facilities you must tell
us.