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WEBSITE: https:// chelmarshsailing. org. uk Email: enquiries @ chelmarsh sailing. org. uk FB: www. facebook. com / groups / 1203087083198663
https:// chelmarshsailing. org. uk https:// supactiveyorkshire. com https:// bethphage. co. uk https:// inclusivepaddleboarding. co. uk
Creating an inclusive SUP experience
A quick dive into accessibility needs made one thing clear: there’ s no universal solution. A spectrum of challenges meant diverse equipment requirements, and catering to every individual’ s needs was impractical. Instead, I focused on adaptable gear that could serve a broad range of abilities. Will connected me with Danny from SUP Active Yorkshire, an expert in inclusive paddling instruction. He agreed to travel down to host a Paddle Ability Workshop, teaching instructors how to tailor their coaching for individuals with additional needs.
To maximise the grant’ s impact, I worked with Will to choose versatile and costeffective equipment. We secured FatStick seats, kayak paddles, inflatable stabilisers, and specialised adaptive gear – including Will’ s Cove Adaptive Seat and the Single- Arm Paddle Power System. The total grant application came to around £ 2,000.
Filling out the application was simpler than expected. I ensured clarity around our objectives, aligning them with Paddle UK’ s mission, and submitted everything the day before the deadline. Then came the wait. With the holiday season taking over, the bid quickly faded from my mind – until January brought fantastic news: we had won the grant!
Excitement quickly turned to apprehension – now I had to transform this idea into reality. Over the following months, enthusiasm and nervousness took turns dominating my thoughts.