Accessible Kayaking

During the first two adapted whitewater clinics, accessible kayaking was provided to some participants. Instruction and equipment for adapted whitewater kayaking was provided along a continuum based on level of impairment, ability, water conditions, and equipment available. Because our clinics focused on introductory skills, participants who met the minimum criteria for kayaking started in an inflatable kayak (i.k.). These boats are extremely stable and adaptable with different length seat and leg rests, and can be configured for one or two people. The boats are responsive but open in design and do not allow for rolls or extreme bracing techniques. Participants were given a standard double-bladed paddle and partnered with an instructor. Instruction focused on balance, bracing, paddling technique, and reading river characteristics and features.

Accessible Rafting

Tahoe Whitewater Tours facilitated the adapted rafting portion of the clinic. As the official vendor for the park, TWT had to demonstrate in the bid process its ability to provide programming to people with disabilities. TWT does have a "Quad Chair" built to seat someone with a higher level of impairment such as quadriplegia or limited gross motor ability. The chair — actually, two chairs and a frame secured to the raft — provide an added level of stability to the user, even in harsh conditions. Extra handles were provided to add even more stability and each rider was assigned a partner or "buddy" responsible for monitoring his or her condition during the run. The raft guides were provided by TWT and Disabled Sports/USA. Guides also monitored the riders and provided increased verbal cues to those in the rafts, particularly to riders with visual impairments.