Paddling has become one of my favorite ways to connect with nature, but I know it’s not always easy to get out on the water, especially if your body has changed or you’re dealing with pain, fatigue, or mobility challenges. I’ve had to adjust how I paddle, too. And while I don’t have all the answers, I want to share what I’ve learned, the gear that’s helped, and the mindset shifts that made a big difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether paddling is still possible for you… this post is for you.
Sponsored post by Roof-Crane. Although this post has been sponsored, I only post things that I think are helpful.
Table of Contents
- Yes, Paddling Is Possible with Mobility Challenges
- Gear Can Make a Huge Difference
- Loading Your Board on Your Vehicle Without Lifting It
- Launching – Making It Work for You
- Adaptable Paddling Styles
- Accessibility & Paddling in Parks
- Best Waterways for Accessible Paddles
- Encouragement + Real Talk
- Will You be Getting on the Water?
Yes, Paddling Is Possible with Mobility Challenges
One of the most important things, especially if you are new to paddling, is to have an expert with you. There are companies that specialize in adaptive paddling, complete with guides that will assist you along the way. They also have the gear you need for a safe and successful paddle.
More and more people are supporting adaptive paddling and recognizing that it’s a space for everyone and every ability.
I will always recommend listening to your body and redefining what adventure means to you. I had to do that when I went through chemo and couldn’t do what once came easy to me.
It’s ok to slow down, have assistance, and add gear that can help and support your paddle adventures.
Gear Can Make a Huge Difference
Having the right gear is very important.
Best Paddleboard
Let’s start with the right paddleboard. You will want one that is lightweight, wide, and with a high weight capacity. While that typically means an inflatable vessel, there are hardboards that can also meet your needs. A hardboard will also be more stable than an inflatable, and you don’t have to worry about pumping it up.
Always check the specifications before making any final decisions to make sure the weight limit fits your needs.
Stabilizers and Outriggers
Although I’m already recommending wide paddleboards that are more stable, adding stabilizers or outriggers will increase stability even more. They may also give you extra confidence and remove some concerns about the board tipping.
I would not recommend going out and buying these. Find a local expert or guide who specializes in adaptive paddling and discuss their use, see what they have, and maybe go out on a guided paddle.
Have a Seat
The beauty of paddleboards is that they give the paddler a lot of choices when it comes to how to ride them. Paddlers can stand, kneel, or sit with or without a chair. The type of chair is very flexible as well.
The paddler might have to do a little trial and error to find what type of chair works best for their specific needs. Some options include a beanbag, kayak chair, folding chair, or sitting on a cooler. Whichever you choose, it needs to be secured to the board.
Wheelchair users can also paddle with their chair directly on the board, but I do not recommend attempting this without additional support and someone who knows what they’re doing.
Additional Gear
If you are looking for other basic gear for paddling, check out my blog post: Essential Gear to Jumpstart Your Paddleboarding Journey
Loading Your Board on Your Vehicle Without Lifting It
Yep, you read that right. You can get your hardboard onto your SUV, truck, van, or RV without lifting it yourself.
One of my followers invented a remote-controlled roof-crane. He had developed neck and shoulder pain that made him unable to lift his kayak onto his roof rack. He actually gave up kayaking because of it and instead focused his energy on finding a solution. What he came up with is the remote-controlled roof-crane.
At this point, he has only created a prototype for it. He has not moved forward because he needs to know from the general public if this is something worth developing into something that people can actually buy.
His goal is to help people lift almost anything onto their roof rack regardless of their strength or height or whether they are lifting it alone.
More about the device:
- It’s mounted on the vehicle’s roof rack.
- It can lift about 150 pounds.
- It can go between a stowed horizontal position to almost vertical.
- It is estimated to retail for under $1000.
The device could help:
- shorter paddlers
- people with back issues and joint pain
- solo paddlers
- people with very tall vehicles like RVs
What do you think?
I would really appreciate it if you could watch his video that shows the device in action and leave a comment with your honest opinion, questions, and concerns about it.
I have not seen the prototype in person or used it myself, but I have watched the video and spoken with him extensively.
You can watch and comment on the video here.
Launching – Making It Work for You
If you can, I recommend researching launch points before you go. You can research online, ask in paddle groups, or go in person and check it out. I try to go in person whenever I can.
There are some places where you can pull up in your vehicle and unload right at the launch point, but many paddle locations have a very long distance between where you can park and where you launch.
Also, you want to check the launch surface – is it a concrete boat ramp, rocky, soft sand, muddy, or a floating dock? All of these factors can and will affect how easy (or not) it is for you to launch your board.
When bringing your own board, you can either choose launches where you can drop off all your gear right on the water or you can consider purchasing a cart/wheels. You can also look into a shoulder carry strap which can be easier to store, especially once you get on the water.
Adaptable Paddling Styles
The most important thing about paddleboarding is making sure that you are doing what is in your capacity to do. Be kind to yourself. Of course there is some merit in challenging yourself, but not to the point where it will make paddling unpleasant or where it pushes you beyond what is healthy or realistic for you.
I want to remind you that although they are called stand-up paddleboards, it doesn’t mean you have to ever stand on it. You can sit, kneel, squat, stand, whatever works and is comfortable for you.
You can even opt for a kayak paddle if you know you will spend most of your time sitting (whether on your glutes or on a chair).
I have no specific style – sometimes I do longer paddles, sometimes I only do a mile. I sit, stand, or kneel—whatever feels right depending on the moment. I’m just happy getting out there.
Accessibility & Paddling in Parks
Unfortunately, not all places and parks are accessible. If you have any concerns or are interested in visiting state, county, and city parks, I recommend calling and finding out what kind of accommodations they have and what kind of support they can provide.
Many parks have accessible parking, but again, not every single one. I often paddle Callalisa Creek in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and the park I launch from is just an unpaved lot with zero amenities and unmarked parking spots and no accessible parking. However, you can pull right up to the launch point and drop all your gear.
Then there is Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, which has accessible parking, but you can’t pull up to the launch point and drop your gear. There are paved sidewalks from the parking lot to very near the launch. If you are renting, though, this might not be as much of an issue.
Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota, Florida, has an accessible floating dock complete with a ramp. The parking lot is unpaved and there is a short distance from the dock, but there is no accessible parking.
So, it’s rare to find a place that is completely accessible in all the ways that work best for everyone. But when I find something like an accessible floating dock, I’m encouraged and feel like we are moving in the right direction.
Best Waterways for Accessible Paddles
Of course only you can decide what waterways will work for you, but I want to give you some suggestions to give you options if you are just getting started.
Lakes
I recommend smaller lakes. They have calmer water and won’t have much of a current. The smaller they are, the less likely they are to be exposed to high winds, and of course you will be closer to shore in case the weather turns unexpectedly. Smaller lakes are also less likely to have a lot of high-powered boats.
Springs
In Florida, I recommend paddling springs. Although they will have a current, you can see down into the water, which means you are less likely to get stuck on hidden underwater obstacles (fallen trees, rocks, etc.). Also, many spring runs have minimal motor traffic or limit speeds to idle only.
Encouragement + Real Talk
If no one has told you, yes, getting out on the water is important and yes, you belong there.
I also want to remind you that it all counts, whether you go out on your own and do the hardest paddle or you go out with a mobility paddling expert who helps you with every part of your outing.
I know it might not be super easy to get out there, but if it’s something that you really want to do, I encourage you to give it a try. And if paddling turns out to not be within your reach, try an accessible eco boat tour.
I will always be here cheering you on.
To be very transparent, even though I’m an intermediate paddler, I need a lot of help and support. Not to mention pain meds to help me get through the post-paddle hand pain. I’m currently waiting on a diagnosis that may completely alter the way that I enjoy paddling. And I’ve never gone out with my hard paddleboard on my own. My husband has always been there to handle everything for me. When I have gone without him, I take the inflatable board and minimal gear. I also meet up with folks who are more experienced than me and let them know ahead of time that I will need help.
Will You be Getting on the Water?
I hope this encourages you to paddle no matter your physical abilities.
Don’t forget to check out the remote-controlled roof-crane YouTube video. It will help the inventor determine whether it’s something he should produce or not.
Happy paddling!