Adaptive kayaking for persons with physical disabilities

Authors

  • Tiffany Atkinson, BS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0009

Keywords:

adaptive kayaking, recreational therapy, therapeutic recreation, physical disabilities

Abstract

Kayaking is a fun outdoor recreational activity well known by many. Often times, people assume that kayaking is too dangerous and risky for individuals with disabilities to participate. Kayaking can be adapted either through adaptation of the actual kayak, paddle, and/or assistive devices to allow various individuals to partake. With shared enjoyment of kayaking, apparent differences between participants become insignificant. Adaptive kayaking is rarely considered as a useful therapeutic intervention to be used by recreational therapist, but upon involvement can produce benefits such as increased selfesteem, increased upper body strength, learned adjustment to new situations, increased independence, and many more. This article will address the benefits, barriers, and future research of adaptive kayaking.

Author Biography

Tiffany Atkinson, BS

Graduate Studies, Department of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina.

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Published

04/01/2010

How to Cite

Atkinson, BS, T. (2010). Adaptive kayaking for persons with physical disabilities. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 9(2), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0009

Issue

Section

Articles