Just like any other sports, kayaking can also be done by physically challenged people. Don’t let disability dictate how can you live your life. However, we simply can’t deny the obvious fact that kayaking is a physically intensive sport but that does not mean that disabled people should stay away from it. All you need is a kayak which is specifically designed for a disabled person. Alternatively, you can also customize a regular kayak to make it disabled-friendly.
Best Kayaks for Disabled People
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Since finding the right kayak for disabled people is like looking for a needle in a haystack, here we have listed some of the best and affordable kayaks that disabled people can use to realize their paddling dream –
1. Pelican Argo 100XR Sit-in Kayak
With the Pelican Argo 100XR Sit-in Kayak, you’ll be able to enjoy hours of comfortable kayaking. With its premium Ergocoast seating system, you’ll be able to sit back and relax in comfort all day long. Plus, when you’re done paddling, the seat can easily be removed from the kayak and used as a beach chair.
The Pelican Argo 100XR Sit-in Kayak is a great choice for your next kayaking adventure. This kayak is packed with premium features to make your experience more enjoyable. This kayak comes packed with premium features like a back quick lock hatch with storage bag, adjustable footrests, and premium knee pads. Plus, it also has a handy storage platform with bungee cords – perfect for storing all your gear. And to keep you hydrated on long paddles, there’s even a bottle cage and secondary bottle holder. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just starting out, the Pelican Argo 100XR Sit-in Kayak is the perfect choice for you.
This kayak is perfect for those who want to enjoy a day out on the water without having to worry about tipping over. The added floating blocks on each side provide additional stability, while the flatter hull type ensures a smooth ride. So come on down and check out the Pelican Argo 100XR Sit-in Kayak today!
It’s stable, easy to maneuver, and makes a great choice for a variety of water activities. It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for transportation. With its ergonomic carrying handles, you can easily take it with you wherever you go. The kayak is made with high-quality materials, ensuring that it will last for a long time. It is perfect for exploring your favourite body of water and spending time with nature. Pelican Argo 100XR Sit-in Kayak is an essential addition to any adventurer’s arsenal.
2. ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is perfect for anyone who wants a kayak that can handle any water condition. This kayak is roomy and comfortable, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver. Whether you’re fishing, camping, or just enjoying a day on the water, the AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is the perfect choice for you.
With its proven aluminum bow and stern ribs, this kayak is able to provide excellent paddling performance no matter what the conditions are. Additionally, the easy movement and control provided by this kayak makes it a great choice for anyone, regardless of their skill level.
The ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a fast, easy to set up kayak that is still lightweight and versatile. This kayak inflates and deflates quickly, so you can be on the water in no time. It is also very lightweight at only 26 pounds, making it easy to transport. The advanced frame design makes this kayak extremely stable and comfortable to paddle. It is also great for solo paddlers as it has a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds. Whether you are an experienced paddler or just getting started, the ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, easy to use kay
The ADVANCED ELEMENTS AdvancedFrame Sport Kayak is the perfect choice for paddlers looking for a kayak that is easy to enter and exit, yet still offers the tracking and speed of a hard-shell kayak. With four air chambers, this kayak is extremely stable and can be paddled in a variety of water conditions.
3. Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak
The Driftsun Rover tandem kayak is perfect for couples or friends who want to explore the open water together. This kayak is durable and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store. It inflates in just 5 minutes and features a comfortable, adjustable seat for each paddler. The 1000D Reinforced Layered PVC side tubes and heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin bottom provide durable protection from punctures, ensuring that you can enjoy a day on the water without worry. Whether you’re cruising around the lake or paddling down a river, the Driftsun Rover tandem kayak is a great way to explore the outdoors with your favorite person.
The Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak is the perfect vessel for exploring the open waters with a friend. Featuring a high-pressure drop stitch floor and ample rocker profile, this kayak is stable and maneuverable in both calm and rough water conditions. The removable flat water tracking fin ensures you’ll always stay on course, while the included paddles make it easy to get up and going. Whether you’re looking to take on your next big adventure or just enjoy a leisurely paddle down the river, the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak has you covered. So grab a friend and hit the water today!
With a whitewater rating of up to class III and IV rapids, this kayak is ready to take on anything you throw at it. The 5 self bailing ports keep you dry and safe in the roughest of waters, while the plentiful tie down points make sure all your gear stays in place. And for those perfect action shots, the front action camera mount lets you capture all the excitement while you’re out on the water. So whether you’re an experienced kayaker looking for a new challenge or a beginner just getting started, the Driftsun Rover 120/220 is the ideal kayak for you.
4. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak
This sleek and stylish kayak is perfect for touring and recreational use, and it’s built to handle even the choppiest of waters. With its long waterline and fast glides, you’ll be able to paddle for miles with ease. And when it’s time to take a break, the comfortable seats and spacious cockpit will make you feel right at home.
This top-of-the-line kayak comes packed with features that are sure to make your time on the water more enjoyable. For starters, the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak features EVA padded high back seats, so you can say goodbye to sore backs and butts after a long day of paddling. Additionally, the seats can be adjusted to accommodate just about any seating position, so you can find the perfect fit for you and your paddling partner.
Hop in with a friend and take on the waves with the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak. This kayak was designed with durability and safety in mind, featuring a rugged hull made from 600d polyester and UV protection. With 24 gauge air bladders, this kayak is built to perform at peak levels.
With its comfortable adjustable foot rests and sturdy build, this kayak is perfect for a day of paddling and exploring. The integrated splash guards and bungee storage make it easy to keep your belongings safe and dry, while the easy-to-carry design means you can take your kayak wherever you go. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the lake or an adventurous expedition down a river, the Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak is perfect for you.
5. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is perfect for anyone looking for a tough and durable kayak. This kayak is made with laminate PVC and a polyester core, making it resistant to damage from abrasion, impact, and sunlight. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
This Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is perfect for anyone looking for a rigid and stable boat. You’ll be able to zip through the water with ease, thanks to the high pressure inflation and fast deflation. Plus, this kayak is easy to transport and store, making it the perfect option for any outdoor enthusiast.
Hop in and get ready for an adventure. The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak has everything you need to hit the water and have a great time. It comes with a paddle, adjustable seat, carry bag, hi-output air pump and inflatable seat booster for elevated seating, , and grab handles on both ends. You’ll be able to explore every inch of the river or lake with ease.
6. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy to set up and transport kayak. The 5-minute setup is a breeze, and the backpack system easily turns into the seat, making it super comfortable. And when you’re done for the day, the Quikpak K1 easily deflates and fits back into its backpack, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
When you need a quick escape to the nearest body of water, pull out your Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak. This lightweight kayak is constructed of durable PVC and has a tarpaulin bottom for puncture protection. Just unfold it, inflate it with the included foot pump, and you’re ready to go!
The Quikpak K1 is easy to set up and take down, thanks to its multiple air chambers and double lock valves. Inflation and deflation are a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying the water. The kayak also comes with a comfortable backrest, so you can lean back and relax as you paddle.
Kayaking With Disability
If you can manage to maintain three points of contact while kayaking and hold a paddle, there is nothing in the world that is going to stop you from paddling.
Amputation
Use prosthetic sockets if you have lost your legs in some accidents. By using prosthetic sockets, amputees will be able to keep themselves stable on the kayak. Now, if you are still finding it difficult, you can always make good use of airbags and foam. When foam or airbags are placed in strategic areas, it can help you maintain balance while paddling. Hammerhead hand can prove useful for Arm amputees. Alternatively, you can mount a one-armed paddling rig on a kayak.
People with Balance Issues
If you are suffering from spinal cord injuries or have some kind of balance issues, you need to find a kayak seat that is designed specifically for that purpose. The seat should be designed in such a way that it will allow you to remain upright no matter what. You should make good use of outriggers to make sure that the seat remains stable in face of extreme odds.
Visual Impairment
People with visual impairment can also enjoy paddling. All you have to do is to choose a tandem kayak. But if you can paddle independently, you can take a chance and try to paddle solo in a lake where the chance of your kayak getting capsized is next to zero. You can ask a guide to paddle alongside you so that he/she can warn you from approaching obstacles.
Tips For Paddling With
A Disability
There are hundreds of paddler-ability clubs scattered across different parts of the United States. So, if you are really passionate about paddling, all you have to do is to find one that is located nearby and start learning the basics of paddling.
1. Get Suited Up
Before you even think about learning the basics of paddling, you need to get purchase all the essential paddling gears. You will need to wear either a wetsuit or a dry suit in order to keep yourself warm and dry. Put on a PDF as it will help you stay afloat in case your kayak gets capsized. Also, consider carrying dry bags to keep all your essential items safe and dry.
2. Have A Plan Ready
If you want to paddle in a nice and less crowded place, you need to have a plan in place otherwise you might have a hard time loading and unloading kayaks. Moreover, try not to paddle alone because in case, you get into some sort of trouble, you will have a hard time managing all alone. Try to find a location which is frequented by people and where help is easily available.
3. You Don’t Have To Be Swimmer
Nope, it is another myth. You don’t necessarily have to be a swimmer to be able to paddle in Stillwater however, you will have tom wear some kind of floatation device in case the boat gets capsized.
4. Choose Kayak Wisely
If you are scared that in case your boat gets capsized, you might end up getting trapped inside your vessel, you need to opt for a sit-on-top kayak. It is easy to get in and out of a sit-on-top kayak and which is why it makes sense why so many disabled people are opting for it.
