In this month’s Paddler Spotlight, we caught up with #ShePaddles Ambassador, Hester Hearn, about the work she’s been doing in collaboration with the Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF) to support their paddling sessions for adults and children with physical and/or learning disabilities.
Words by Hester
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 really 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 out on 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 really 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 traveling 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, ensuring that those often excluded have the opportunity to experience paddling and the benefits it provides.
“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 1 hour bell boat session and paddling session. Sessions are open to ages 8 and above, with the paddleboard session aimed at those that like to be independent on 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.
The sessions are held at Stanborough Park Watersports Centre which has great disability facilities including, an extensive range of paddleboards, a pontoon hoist and a changing place.
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 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.”
Thanks to Hester for sharing the great work happening in Hertfordshire.
If you’re interested in finding your local local paddle-ability provider, use our lookup tool.
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