Inclusivity in whitewater is not an advanced subject, but with each passing year, we are working harder to make it easier. Even though whitewater activities seem like a sport that is not accessible to many, there are lots of ways that a person with hindering abilities can get on the water.
No one left behind
We like to do anything we can to let people experience the wonder of rafting. We take deaf or people with hearing problems rafting all the time. The guides come up with ways that are easy to signal our commands to them. They usually have one hearing person accompany them, and the trip is always a blast.
People who have obscured vision or none at all go rafting frequently as well. Not being able to see the water does stop you from paddling. But it does not take away from getting splashed and feeling the river air rush around you. If you aren’t able to paddle that is not a big deal! Having a few paddlers and one passenger just along for the ride, is a perfect combination.
Someone without the ability to walk or hold themselves up could be placed in the raft by the crew and we are happy to have them sit on the floor of the raft during our adventure. There aren’t many limitations to who can go rafting. We find lots of ways to make sure people of all kinds can feel included on and off the water. Rafting allows people to experience something they are not used to. Everyone deserves to have that feeling at least once in their life.
Special boats
Being a rafting guest is a great way to make sure everyone gets to experience whitewater. Some people want more, and in the whitewater community there is a large raft-like vessel called “Creature Crafts”. They were invented to be a boat that is virtually “unflippable” and can be used for many different things.
They were designed for search and rescue trips originally. Now, law enforcement uses them on rivers. As well as private boaters for bigger water, and uniquely, people who do not have use of their legs. The Creature Craft has a seat in the middle that you strap yourself to and you stay upright in the “unflippable” raft. People who are in wheelchairs have appreciated this invention greatly, Once they are in the seat and on the water, all they have to do is use their arms to row the boat with their oars.
Community
It is amazing to see the impact these vessels had on the whitewater community. The sport we all love and appreciate having an option like the Creature Craft is a wonderful thing.
Additionally, our goal in the whitewater and rafting community is to promote the idea that everyone can and should go rafting. Being inclusive in an area like this is a big way to inspire others. When we see people from all walks of life coming to join us on a trip, it makes our hearts happy knowing that we get to share the sport we love.
Inclusivity in Whitewater should be something everyone wants to do and learn more about. Here at Zollers Outdoor Odysseys, we are a firm believer in sharing the river with any and everyone.
