 |
 |
|
|
|
July, 2007
Project Paddle ME is underway
Karyn Roy embarks on 350-mile journey on Maine Island Trail to raise awareness for adaptive paddling
By now, I have left Cape Porpoise in Kennebunkport with the intent of paddling to Machias Bay. It is quite the feeling that overcomes you when you have been planning for something for over a year—spending countless hours on logistics, what-if scenarios and the like—and the day arrives when it is finally time to take off. Paddling the entire coast of Maine in one trip has been a long-held dream of mine, and I’ve been planning seriously for this day since April 2006.
There is so much that goes into planning a multi-day, not to mention, a multi-week sea kayak trip (of course it’s a lot easier to think about now, in the midst of warm weather and bright sunny days). The lists of gear, food, clothing and water have been assembled, checked and actually stuffed into the boat. I must admit, this took several tries; and now my 17’ Wilderness Systems Tempest is busting at the seams. I guess I could bring only one camera… but what if it stops working? This is the type of question I have been continuously asking myself for the last 15 months.
Yet, this is more than a typical sea kayak trip: I am doing this to raise awareness about adaptive paddling and to raise funds for Maine Handicapped Skiing. Instead of planning solely where I’ll stop, what to visit, etc, other questions enter the mix: how to best spread the word about adaptive paddling? How to maximize my effect? This is the most difficult part in the planning because now it’s not just about me anymore.
What is adaptive paddling? Well to start with, it’s making any adjustment to boating gear to make it work for someone with a disability. For instance, a paddler who is paralyzed from the waist down might need the seat to be foamed and padded to help keep them tight and balanced. There are numerous devices created to help all paddlers with all disabilities, sometimes it just takes a little imagination and creativity. If a modification allows the paddler to paddle, then it worked and that’s adaptive paddling.
Maine Handicapped Skiing is a well-established non-profit that specializes in outdoor recreation for people with disabilities, that has been offering programs for twenty-five years. A few years ago they opened up the summer programs to offer cycling, golf, river trips and kayaking. They offer opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, many times for those who did not think it was possible.
With my trip, I am hoping to raise money to bring more adaptive paddling programs through Maine Handicapped Skiing, who offers these programs free of charge to its participants. Right now, there are only 5-6 days available for kayaking programs. However, with the help of Alvah Maloney and Maine Kayak, on July 11th, we can offer the first ocean adaptive paddling date, "Intro to Ocean Kayaking" for Maine Handicapped Skiing participants and volunteers. This exciting class will take place in New Harbor at the Maine Kayak base, www.mainekayak.com.
With only a day left to organize before the departure from Cape Porpoise, I can finally let the minute details go and trust that I have prepared enough to make this happen. It will be a great feeling I’m sure, when I finally launch from the dock in Cape Porpoise and head to the first of many islands I’ll be visiting on the Maine Island Trail. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, for sure, but I can only hope that the sport is opened up to others so that they can experience the same thing!
Please visit www.projectpaddleme.com and check out the daily updates, pending mobile service, on the trip blog. If you would like to learn more about Maine Handicapped Skiing and their programs, visit www.skimhs.org or call 1-800-639-7770. Help support the project and MHS by donating to http://www.firstgiving.com/projectpaddleme! Your help and support are greatly appreciated! See you out on the water!
Schedule of events
Maine Island Trail
Start: Cape Porpoise - Kennebunkport, ME (June 23rd, 2007)
End: Machias Bay - East Machias, ME
Mileage: around 350 miles
June 16, 17th - LL Bean Paddlefest - free demos, discounts, adaptive paddling
June 23rd - Depart Cape Porpoise ~4pm
June 27th - Paddle at East End Beach, Portland ~5pm
June 29th - Paddle at Winslow Park, Freeport (Mast Landing Students, Staff and anyone else interested!) ~11am
July 11th - Intro to Ocean Kayaking with MAINE KAYAK and Maine Handicapped Skiing in New Harbor
July 12th - Maine Island Trail informal island clean-up in Muscongus Bay
July 13, 14th - Blues Festival in Rockland, ME
Late July - Finish in Machias Bay
What is Adaptive Paddling?
From Maine Handicapped Skiing
www.skimhs.com
The concept of "adaptive" sports and equipment evolved after World War II with injured soldiers wanting to return to sports and recreational activities they previously enjoyed. Over time sports equipment and technology was adapted or changed to fit the specific needs of physically disabled individuals of all ages. New ways of understanding how sports could be taught also brought about instructional adaptations for people with physical disabilities.
To be in a place where one's disability doesn't define you, but is just one aspect of a person's life helps build great confidence in our participants. Working with volunteers often builds new friendships and social relationships so important to our participants.
And what a thrill it is to fly down the slopes or kayak down a river, free as a bird, using one's muscles, balance, coordination and flexibility to make it all work!
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
Design and Content © 2002 to 2006 No Umbrella