2021 Kayak Season Resumes in June

We are excited to re-launch our kayaking season for summer of 2021. The below info is from program director Cathy Webster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, email kayak@disabledathletics.org or call Cathy at 802-355-8833

Hello to everyone!

Wow,  it’s been a long winter…. For many of you…a long year without getting out much, if at all. I am happy to say that NDAA Adaptive Kayaking will be back in full operation this summer/fall.

I look forward to seeing you all and getting you back out and on the water. The weather has been beautiful this spring, however the water is still cold. As soon as it warms up, I will be scheduling.

The Waterbury Reservoir schedule doesn’t start until June 22, however if it warms up enough before then, I’m happy to take small groups out to any of our other venues.

With COVID-19 continuing to be present in our region despite vaccinations, we will plan accordingly and have safety guidelines in place to ensure the health and safety of all. (See below)

This season we have secured 2 grants to date and are waiting on the third. The grants will help encourage and support Veterans and people with Spinal Cord Injuries  becoming kayakers, and will help fund new pieces of equipment. I have also been working with UVM-DPT students and will be collecting some information from you this summer. The questionnaire is short, and we will be looking at early and late season metrics to assess strength/endurance gains over the summer.

• If you have been a volunteer in the past, please shoot me a quick email to let me know your availability for the upcoming season.
• If you are a new kayaker or someone who has kayaked in the past but have new mobility challenges, please reach out so we can schedule an “on land” assessment.

In the meantime, stay safe!!

COVID-19 guidelines:

• All volunteers will be fully vaccinated.
• All participants will be fully vaccinated (if unable due to medical reasons, they will be scheduled at the end of the day or an alternate day and have limited contact with masked volunteers)
• All kayaking equipment is cleaned with a bleach solution between kayakers.
• Life jackets will be washed with soap/water and hung to dry/air out after each day’s use. If you have one of your own to use, please bring it
• All kayakers/family/caregivers will wear masks while in the launching area.
• All kayakers/family/caregivers will wash hands upon arrival, prior to getting into kayak.
• If you arrive prior to your launching time or plan to stay afterwards, please maintain social distance.
• There will be limited picnic tables/seats available, if you need a chair, please bring one with you.
• If you are sick, have a fever, cough etc., or have been in contact with anyone who has, please do not come.

If we can all follow these few guidelines, we can make this happen and have an active  kayaking season.

See you soon,

Cathy