Paddler Spotlight : How Herts Disability Sports Foundation is making paddling accessible for everyone . Words by Hester Hearn
Paddler Spotlight : How Herts Disability Sports Foundation is making paddling accessible for everyone . Words by Hester Hearn
The Herts Disability Sports Foundation supports individuals across Hertfordshire with a wide range of sports and physical activities for people with disabilities , including paddleboarding and bell boating . They strive to offer adapted opportunities for anyone who cannot access mainstream physical activities – developing group activities for those who have previously not been included .
As a qualified Paddlesports Instructor ( SUP ), I was interested in doing some voluntary instruction and was already aware of the great work being done by HDSF . So , I offered my services at the beginning of the year and have been working with them since .
Having an extra instructor has enabled them to offer more places on the paddling sessions , which are always fully booked . Ros Cramp , who runs the charity , has a positive knack for persuasion . Before I knew it , I had completed my Bell Boat Helm qualification , so I can now help with those sessions , which is fantastic as they ’ re always popular .
“ I like paddling , mainly bell boating , because it ’ s really good fun and really relaxing on the water . I look forward to meeting the others and that my mum can come too and enjoy it with me . I like looking at the scenery . Tuesday is bell boating day and it ’ s one of my favourite days .” Participant Alice .
I ’ m enjoying volunteering and working with those who attend the sessions . They teach me to be more mindful and enjoy the moment , often without speaking – whether that means just following the ripples on the water , observing the wildlife at the water ’ s edge , listening to the birds in the trees , or noting the different sounds of vehicles travelling along the road nearby .
Each participant behaves in a unique way , and it ’ s great getting to know them . It ’ s also lovely to work with a team at HDSF that is so passionate about improving the lives of others and ensuring that those often excluded have the opportunity to experience paddling and its benefits .
“ I like bell boating as I ’ m out with the team , but I would like to be on a boat on my own , like the paddling group on a Thursday . I tried paddle boarding on a massive beanbag , but I needed two staff with me . I want to be able to paddle independently .” Participant Caz .
Each week during the season , they run a onehour bell boat and paddling sessions . Sessions are open to ages eight and above , with the paddleboard session aimed at those who like to be independent in their own craft . The bell boat sessions are aimed at those who can ’ t , for various reasons , be independent on their own craft – which would include wheelchair users , as the bell boats have adapted bucket seats with 4-point harnesses , and the participant can be hoisted in .
Sessions are at Stanborough Park Watersports Centre , which has excellent disability facilities , including an extensive range of paddleboards , a pontoon hoist , and a changing room .
Ros Cramp , Director of Herts Disability Sports Foundation , shares her reflections :
“ We started out with regular bell boats at Stanborough Park for day services , but we quickly realised how many people still could not access paddlesports . Gradually , we developed moulded seats with harnesses , hand paddles , and anything else we could do to make activities accessible .
“ As new people want to try paddling , we have done our best to work out how we can safely cater for individual needs while ensuring the human being feels as independent and empowered as possible . We love being able to make things happen for people who either don ’ t think they can or are determined to try , no matter what .
“ We are very excited to be working with the new Paddle UK Disability group , to learn from others and , where needed , help design the best resources possible so that we can ultimately get more people with disabilities out on the water , safely .” paddleuk . org . uk 55