PaddleAble is Canoeing Ireland’s dedicated initiative to promote inclusion in paddle sports. It focuses on enhancing the accessibility, quality of experience, and opportunities for people with disabilities, impairments, medical conditions, or neurodiversity. Through various programs and workshops, such as PaddleAble Educate, the initiative strives to break down barriers and make paddlesports accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
A core part of this initiative is the role of PaddleAble Ambassadors—a group of passionate individuals who advocate for inclusivity and serve as role models in the paddle sports community. These ambassadors work closely with Canoeing Ireland to help foster greater awareness and understanding of how paddle sports can be adapted for individuals with additional support needs. They also help spread the message that paddle sports are a sport for all, encouraging participation at every level.
Workshop Overview
The PaddleAble Educate Workshop combines theoretical learning with practical on-water experiences, designed to equip attendees with the skills needed to support paddlers with diverse abilities.
1. Classroom Learning:
- Disability Awareness: Develop an understanding of various disabilities and how they can affect paddlers.
- Effective Communication: Learn communication techniques to ensure that instructions are clear and accessible to all participants.
- Equipment & Location Adaptations: Discover how to modify equipment like kayaks and paddles, and how to assess paddlesport venues for accessibility.
- Safety & Risk Management: Learn how to plan and manage sessions with a focus on safety, particularly for paddlers with additional needs.
- Session Planning: Session Planning: An in-depth overview of adaptations and preparations that need to be in place before participants arrive for their activity. This includes understanding various teaching methods, rules & regulations, equipment and environment overview.
2. On-Water Experience:
- Adaptive Techniques: Hands-on practice with adaptive paddling techniques, ensuring you can support individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges.
- Using Adaptive Equipment: Learn how to properly use and modify specialized paddling equipment, including seats, paddles, and boats.
- Simulated Scenarios: Work through real-life scenarios to develop your confidence in leading inclusive paddle sport sessions.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for paddle sport instructors, coaches, volunteers, and anyone passionate about making paddle sports more inclusive. Whether you are experienced or new to paddling, the skills and knowledge gained from this workshop will help you create a welcoming environment for all participants, particularly those with additional support needs.
Why Attend?
- The PaddleAble Educate Workshop offers valuable insights and skills that enable you to:
- Confidently instruct and engage paddlers with a range of abilities.
- Adapt paddle sports techniques, equipment, and venues to make them more inclusive.
- Contribute to the growing community of inclusive paddle sport instructors, creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy being on the water.
- Support the wider PaddleAble initiative, which seeks to make paddle sports accessible for all, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.
Registration and Further Information
Spaces for this workshop are limited, so be sure to register early. For more information about the workshop dates, locations, and registration details, visit Canoeing Ireland’s website or contact our Inclusion Team.
Join us in making paddle sports accessible to everyone and become part of the growing PaddleAble community alongside inspiring ambassadors who champion inclusion in every aspect of paddling. Together, we can make a difference on the water!
Feedback from Past Participants
Here are some testimonials from previous attendees who benefited from the PaddleAble Educate Workshop:
- “The on-water scenarios—I learned so much from these. The class discussions and networking with the other participants. Convenient and comfortable location.”
- “One of the best parts was coming away with the feeling that there is a support network within the paddling community. We are all here to help each other make kayaking more inclusive however we can.”
- “Getting to use adaptive equipment and apply the content we learned in class to real-life scenarios was invaluable. I also learned what essential information is needed before a course starts!”
These testimonials highlight how the workshop equips participants with both practical skills and a sense of community support in promoting inclusive paddle sports.
For more information contact Emer@Canoe.ie or Emily@canoe.ie
