BlueSpace in the Valleys

In September, AquaPaddle BlueSpace provided a paddlesport session for a group of disabled adults in South Wales. This group receive care at a council day centre and are always on the lookout for new activities to try.

Staff informed us that participants would have a range of needs, both developmental and physical, with at least one wheelchair user in the group. After a meeting with a local watersports centre, it was decided that they could meet the needs of the group and a date was booked. Ten staff and clients attended the session, with two watersports instructors overseeing the activity.

Knowing that this was a new experience for everyone involved, the instructors started the group off in rafted canoes, which were very stable and gave the group confidence to branch out onto large paddleboards. Each participant was able to take part in the best way for them, and everyone had a go.

For some participants, the aim was purely to get on the water at all. One in particular was known to enjoy watching the movement of the water at the swimming pool and he loved lying on a paddleboard, watching the ripples on the surface. Others were keen to grab a paddle and take a rafted canoe around the island in the lake. Another even braved a quick dip in the water before heading back to the changing rooms at the end. The overall aim was simply to offer a new experience and allow them to explore a range of paddlecraft. Information was also provided on further paddling opportunities for those who may want to pursue this in the future.

Staff members said, “They wouldn’t get the chance to do things like this normally, thankyou so much.” Others commented that it was great to see their clients overcome their nerves and get stuck in, and pointed out they could see and hear how much the session was enjoyed by all.

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