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Venture Sports: Kayaking
        
As a person with a spinal injury you can enjoy kayaking with very little adaptations and changes to the kayaking equipment.

The main changes are, a person with a spinal injury kayaks with two buddies at all times. Some of the concerns that people have are, if they fall in, how do they get out of the kayak?

We always have a motorised cover boat accompanying the kayakers, so this is not a problem.

The only adaptations that we have made are - better seats that support and help with balance and velcro gloves (if hand grip is an issue).
        
        
        
Frequently Asked Questions
        
        
What equipment do I need? None, we will supply you with all necessary equipment.
        
        
My balance is poor, how will I manage? We have special seats that fit into the kayak that will provide you with support.
        
        
What about pressure marks? We have gel seats that will provide pressure relief. Pressure relief is not really an issue because the kayaks are moving in the water all the time.
        
        
My grip is poor, will this be a problem? No, we have special gloves that have velcro around the paddle, these have worked very well.
        
        
Will the kayak roll over easily? No, we use KIWIs and ARCADIAs. These are very stable. We also have a double kayak, so, if you wish, you can go out in this with an experienced kayaker.
        
        
What happens if I do roll over? We will show you how to slide out of the kayak and your buoyancy jacket will keep you up in the water. We always have a back-up boat in the water, this is an inflatable with an outboard engine.
        
        
Where will I be brought to try the kayaking? Blessington lakes, where we use a sheltered bay that has parking and an excellent slipway.
        
        
If you would like to submit your kayaking question by email, just visit our Contact page and fill in the form there.
        
      
Other Venture Sports:
      
Shannon Kayak Challenge 2005
Bantry Diving 2004
Fishing
Kayaking
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Self Defence
Snorkelling
What is a Buddy?
        
        
      
      
        
        
Spinal Injuries Ireland, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Ave, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
      
Tel: +353 (0)1 2355317        Charity Registration No: CHY 11535        Email: info@spinalinjuries.ie